Criminal Minds2005

David Rossi:
What else is on your mind?

Ashley Seaver:
A dog... When I was seven years old, I found a puppy on my way home from school. I ran all the way home with this little ball of fur. I was so excited. And when I got to the house, my dad was the only one home. And I gave him the puppy to hold while I got him some milk. We didn't have dog food, but I thought, well, a puppy's like a baby, so milk, right? And when I got back, my dad was in the bathroom, and he turned and told me to put the milk away. I didn't understand. And he told me we didn't need the hassle of another mouth to feed, and I was never to do that again... And he tilted his head, and I started crying and I could swear he looked like he was having fun.

David Rossi:
He's a psychopath. Cruelty to animals is part of that.

Ashley Seaver:
I know. But what I don't understand... Mr. Jacobs asked me a question about my father, and... I don't hate him. I don't. I try, but I just don't.

David Rossi:
No matter what else he is, he's your father. Now, you're not responsible for the things he did. But you can't change the fact that to you... he's still your dad.

Ashley Seaver:
I just feel like he's winning if I don't hate him.

David Rossi:
No, kiddo. There's no winning. There's just living. Moving forward. And if you keep doing that, you'll be all right.

Ashley Seaver:
Is that true?

David Rossi:
It is for me.

Ashley Seaver:
Thank you. [Rossi holds her hand]