~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
They looked for Gilligan in vain. "Why in the world did he take off like that?" the Skipper wondered aloud.
Mary Ann hesitated. "I think…oh, Skipper, I think his father abused him."
The full horror of the idea, unspoken until now, crashed over her. That anyone could find in themselves to intentionally harm Gilligan was unthinkable!
Mr Howell jumped to his feet. "I think I know where he's gone."
Everyone but Mrs Howell asked how he could know. She simply looked on sadly.
"Because I know exactly what he's going through," was his frank answer. "I know where to look."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~