“The same? No. But it illustrates the fact that we can take into account the needs and desires of individuals while still maintaining equality and n...t creating a separate class of people. There is ample evidence, in fact, that acknowledging the unique relationships in this situation, as has been done in military training and assignment, enhances the individual’s ability and willingness to perform at her best. Equality under the law does not mean sameness. We are all individuals and shoehorning. And the recognition of that last one - that you were a victim of your own actions, was YOUR key to recovery. You weren’t a rapist, Steve. Yes, the law might say otherwise, but you weren’t. Not in your mind. Not in her mind. And those are the ONLY two minds that matter from a counseling perspective. In fact, she blamed herself for raping you.”“I hope you disabused her of that idea.”“It took some time, but yes, I did. How is your relationship with her?”“I’d say it’s developing nicely. I see her. The weekend arrived and mid-day Saturday Marcel was knocking on the door. I opened the door and was quite surprised to see how much he’d changed from a little k** of roughly 12 to a big strapping man he now was. We were very happy to see him after all these years. We all sat down with drinks and chatted for hours while we got caught up. Marcel had gone on to high school and played on the school’s football team, then got a scholarship to a university playing ball but he made some poor life. I'll add a substantial bonus for you when I send out the checks to pay the maintenance fees next month. When the estate sells, I'll also give any future potential employer a glowing recommendation on your capabilities. Do we understand each other?" We do, Mr. Wilson," he said, grinning.The bonus is for keeping my mouth shut, he thought. Fine by me. Got nobody to blab to anyway.I smiled. "Thanks, Brad." I wasn't sure, but I believed I'd dodged that bullet."Let's go. We've got a plane to catch,".