She focuses on her belief that it was imperative not to let her "dark secret" (270) be revealed to the public eye, even going so far as to create an understanding with his wife to succeed in his concealment. A pain formed for Bechdel as she grew and became an adult. His father had built a bridge that separated him from his wife and children, only crossing it occasionally to show affection to those who needed it most. He may have been physically present, but he wasn't really with his family. There were only rare moments when he showed affection towards his children. Instead, he focused on his decorum which he cared for as if they were his children while treating his “children like furniture” (268). As an adult, Bechdel is influenced by her father's actions; creating a strong, honest woman who knows the dangers of hiding information and the consequences it can