Hunt.

He was absorbed. By, the cover, and its  contents. The " diary " told of all that was needed to know. In some ways he wished he had not picked it up. But, curiosity is known for its effects. Upon, the cat. Here, he was not to suffer its fate, but, be subjected to  stark truth. As a large predator is downed by the hunter. " The Ghost " and " The Darkness " springing into his mind. The telling of so much, from his loved ones perspective, unerring in its ability to question his past. And, what he thought was not known. But, was now found out, to be knowledge, where he least expected it.
His fascination with how he was viewed seemed like a " Curse " befallen upon him, from a great height. To, bring everything he had ever done into crisp focus. After, a " jolt, to his senses " as not experienced before, or would again. It was probably hoped ! The way a woman defines you, and, what you do matters. He was enthralled, to the point of self-harming, to understand all there was to know about her reflections and perceptions. Whatever, the cost. A mistake ? As many who have gone here would testify to. Some " Stones " are best left unturned ?  Why would that not be ? Women like their privacy. And, views, as well as instincts, held close, to their chest. Not freely divulged, for want of indiscretions turmoil being avoided. To, prevent repercussion, with pain.
His eye on what he should not see felt like the " naughty lad " daring to look upon suspect material. Origins unknown, to protect those willing to spread such educational novelties, to those too youthful to really appreciate their " artistic licence " ! The verbalization of the lovers mind, here, frank to the extreme. Leaving him, in a " storm " of turbulence, set apart from his usual assured demeanour. You, have to be careful what you come across, he too late realized. As his head, and his heart, learnt the extent of her " capitulation " to the less wholesome  describtions of him, by their most regular companions.
He knew, now, some things were best left alone. But, also, were tactically shrewd to employ. As in reading useful line after line, the image of himself frequently " shot to pieces " ! To the positive, he suspected. The " work " really created by, those once considered reliable. And, trusted, to the maximum level. Now, pushed into the sights, of circumspection, and, reinterpretation !
The big " Game " hunt was becoming a trail of discovery. Of Source " statements " which could only create a putrid odour, upon exposure. To, satisfy the targeting of the most proficient exponents in the " landscape " of assessors of character, and, conduct. At a high price. Sensed by her, too. He, mused.
He understood his approaches, to the " culture, " as well as the " vulture, " had to be modified. For, his good. And, even that, of his partner. Whose respect, he felt he now had to reinforce. And, re-establish. Due to the habitat seeming more volatile, than previously perceived. How this " log " of his complacent chargings, and, over-exuberant adventures left him drained. The dawning of a new day, meant realignment with the " comforts " of home, and the security of " selective " co-operation. Drawing on this " fateful " episode, to strengthen positioning from attack. In no uncertain terms, he vowed not to hide. For, the sake of what he had. Evaluated by an exacting but beneficial excursion. Into the mind, of his most precious " mate " ! And, date.