I had to.

I was afraid I'd hurt him.

Something inside o' me just fought to get at him, and I couldn't a held out much longer.
I don't want to hurt nobody, Dad.

I reckon it was a seein' 'em together that did it.

It's a God's blessin' I come away when I did; it sure is." He dropped wearily into his chair again.
Then the teacher spoke, "It is always a God's blessing, lad, when a man masters the worst of himself.