"Well, closed mouths don't get fed, Rose. Bite the bullet and talk to your old man. No matter what he tells you, at least you'll know. Isn't that better than imaginin' the worst all the time?" he asked.

Tommy felt like a hypocrite telling Rose to find out about her father when he didn't have the courage to do the same about his. Maybe if it turned out well for her, he'd think about it.