I yearned to confide in him the big secret I had stayed quite about for years. I was stupid to think that he didn’t know that there was something I hid. After all,that day in which I had blown up at him, I mentioned that my father was keeping something to himself.But Casimir didn’t want to be too pushy and persistant in inquiring further.He timidly said to me one afternoon, “Essie,I know this may sound crazy, but I want you to be able to tell me anything that is on your mind.You’ve taken on my burdens, so it’s only fair for me to take on yours, too.I probably don’t seem like one who could be much help, but I want to try.I want to return the favor.If you want to tell me something, then feel free to.” This was one of the moments, occuring increasingly often, when I got to see his considerate side. I merely said to him in reply, “Thanks. But it has nothing to do with me, and nothing to do with you. It’s really no one’s business to talk about. So let’s just forget about it, okay?” I said. He didn’t ask again.