Three Hundred Fifty-Two

Some questions go unasked out of fear of repercussions; fear that the subtle clues that led to them were misread. Conversations that might have led to extraordinary joy, therefore, go unspoken. Yet, if the clues were indeed misread, then the justifiable fears prevent explosive emotional rifts incapable of salvation. Risks versus rewards. We settle for safe mid-ground when the other options are damnation or ecstasy.