ManyWriters

In the third year of our marriage, I discovered I was pregnant. With my husband away on a business trip in another state, I had no choice but to go to the hospital for a check-up alone.
Little did I expect to see my supposedly out-of-town husband outside the examination room, fingers intertwined with his pure love.
I dialed his number once more. He answered, lowering his voice in irritation:
"Faye, are you incapable of understanding English? How many times do I have to tell you I'm in a meeting! A meeting!"
"You may be blind, but you're not deaf!"
A wave of sorrow washed over me as I slowly spoke:
"Where's this meeting? What kind of meeting?"
"If you're sick, go to the hospital. Stop acting crazy here."
He rudely hung up the phone, then turned to Pure Love's inquiry with a gentle smile.
"Just a blind woman. She's nothing compared to you."
The moment he turned and our eyes met, River's smile froze on his face.

Love's Withered Bloom

River immediately let go of my hand, answering the phone with a nervous expression.


Quick as a flash, I tucked away the divorce papers.


"River, there's thunder and I'm so scared."


"Don't be afraid, I'm coming right over."


Hanging up, River hastily grabbed his jacket, preparing to leave.


I thought he wouldn't stop, but he paused, turning back to look at me.


The warm light cast upon his face, accentuating his already striking features.


Back in college, I was harassed by a group of thugs. When I was at my most frightened and helpless, River appeared.


He was like a deity descending suddenly, using his fists to drive away those thugs, and even thoughtfully escorting me to my dorm room door.


"Hey," I called out to him, nervously asking for his name.


He turned back, a smile tugging at his bloodied lip.


In that moment, as he stood there, all the stars in the sky couldn't outshine him.


Chapter 7