Читать книгу Petals - Marti Eicholz - Страница 8
ОглавлениеStepping Out
When Mary was younger, she had to stay at home for the long nights of discontent. Now that she was older, she would grab her coat, hit the road where it was quiet and walk. She was not a girl anymore and she never would be again. No longer did she hang on mom’s words or want to be like her, determined to be as different as possible. One day she bagged all her clothes and took them to the thrift store. She would design and make her own clothes.
She reached a certain point in her life when she wanted to be independent. She had the feeling that she needed an adventure, something exciting and new, to show everyone that she was old enough to be on her own for once.
One lovely balmy morning, Mary woke in a maddening rush to get a part-time job. She was in her last year of high school and had no social life. Her brothers enlisted in the Army, making the comfort of home less comfortable. Her sewing skills were such she yearned to style fabrics and materials beyond her means. If she had a job, freedom and independence would be within reach. She took her first steps to becoming a grown-up.
As the day moved on, the sky became overwhelmed with emotion, reminding her of the years being stricken with the heavy load of emotions. As memories flashed through her mind, tears threatened to unleash themselves. Mary found a tiny café huddled despondent among two buildings. She eyed the sky nervously. The morning clouds that were wispy and white, now were turning darker and denser. Mary quickened her pace and opened the door to a warm and cheery interior, with bright lights, colorful walls, and smells of pumpkin spice cakes.
Her stomach clenched with hunger at the thought of sweet, honey rolls. She could imagine the warm, fluffy bun dripping with amber-colored liquid. As sweet, savory aromas lingered in the air, she focused on finding a seat.
Looking around Mary observed white china pots on round tables that mostly seated just two people, but at least one person occupied them all. Although Mary was a complete and real person, she was also something like a rag doll in that she came with a lot of “stuffing.” This stuffing composed of the notions, beliefs, thoughts, and feelings she had developed over the years.
Some of her stuffing was lumpy which caused her great pain and embarrassment because she felt less than perfect. These lumps were fears and unpleasant memories of the past, preventing her from presenting her “smoothest” self to the world.
The way she presented herself became important to Mary when another doll of a person, with one eye closed and the other lazily winked, flashed a signal for her to sit with him. A shot of adrenaline hit her heart. With hesitation she thought am I lovely, is my face smooth, are my cheeks rosy and do I have a nicely contoured shape?
She looked him over and realized in so many ways they were exactly alike----good hair, sparkly eyes, and a hang-loose attitude toward life. It delighted to discover they were different, too. She was wonderfully female; he was wonderfully male.
Mary walked over to his table and stopped, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
His smile warmed her, “Not yet. Please, have a seat and join me for some tea.”
She took in his muscles, the clean-shaven square jaw and tuned into his voice. It was as deep as any man. He smiled with ease.
She closed her hand around her cup, feeling warmth.
After sipping tea and chatting with him, she learned his name was Adam, and he worked for the nearby furniture manufacturing company as a traveling salesman. He was in town every two weeks to work in the administrative office before another trip on the road. They exchanged phone numbers. She wondered if he had stuffing and if he did what kind?
They parted with a “call you soon”.
Parting brought thoughts of I want him. Maybe not for keeps, just to play, time will tell.
Mary saw this opportunity as a rope ladder dropped from heaven. She regarded the time ahead as her new dawn, bringing new opportunities, new friends, and new prospects. “It will be as looking through a clean, clear windowpane,” she said out loud for anyone to hear.
None of her past un-pleasantries quashed her zeal or her anticipation of her chance to aim higher, to spend more effort, and to come closer to her ultimate life goals. It was important that she have a fresh attitude in the face of this new beginning. She had stars in her eyes and saw only positive opportunities ahead.
Mary got a part-time job at Sam’s Fabric Shop as a salesclerk. Before work she would stop at the café and sit, sip tea, and daydream of Adam. She was hopelessly, madly, and passionately in love.
So, in the café, among the scents, the noise of people chatters and their occasional glances she gave herself a little of what it craved: the need to bond.
She met people helping each other make their lives and loves better. Mary thought we are born to need social bonds. We are born to need a sense of others, even if we are alone. So, I ponder this chance to rest a moment longer, to drink the aroma of this place.
Mary knew that her upcoming months would bring her new opportunities for growth, exploration, and discovery. Inwardly, she felt she would not be same person she was yesterday. She had awoken to the incredible resources of ideas, energy, and hope that would be at her disposal.
Mary graduated from high school, got a full-time job as a seamstress, moved out of her family home with her grandmother Edie’s sewing machine in tow and rented a furnished two-room apartment near the café and Sam’s Fabric Shop.
Every two weeks she met up with Adam. He was a man of the world; he traveled. He had stories of adventure and Mary was all ears. She had not traveled outside the county. Adventure excited her.
Then, a hilarious thing happened. The stuffing that each brought with them that seemed so appealing at first began to become a little annoying, and then irritating, and then downright infuriating.
Mary discovered that she had a lot of ideas about what a man should be like, which she had taken for granted. To her amazement, Adam did not share all her ideas. In fact, sometimes he thought a man should be the exact opposite of what she expected.
Adam had a lot of “ought” and “should” as part of his stuffing. In his family there was no physical demonstration of affection. So, when Mary teased him for a hug or a kiss, he pushed away. He denied his own longing for intimacy, so that Mary felt rejected and alone.
Mary did not understand she overwhelmed Adam with her demands for love and devotion. Instead of giving him emotional distance and privacy, she increased her efforts to draw him out. When this did not work, she criticized him for not loving her more. After a while, most of their interactions were about Adam’s failings as a romantic partner, rather than about all the great similarities they shared.
Mary connected with one counselor from years past. “Mary, we all bring our individuality and our histories to relationships.”
“You mean everyone is full of fearful stuffing?” Mary inquired.
The counselor reassured, “Everyone has stuff that prevents them from opening up to learn new lessons and from fully exploring the possibilities of growth and rapport with their partner.”
Mary anxiously asked, “What happened to the spark?”
The counselor suggested, 'To rekindle the spark in your relationship, I recommend you create some space in your togetherness so you can each spend time alone, time with friends, work on your job, and develop other interests.
The next time Mary saw Adam she announced, “We should spend some time apart from each other.” She paused, then immediately added, “For just a little while.”
Adam sighed and plopped down on the couch, “Well, I suppose we could both use a break.”
They found it uncomfortable to be without their mate; they felt alone, separate, and lost. Adam called to touch base.
“Adam, I am going to counseling….” Before Mary could finish…
Adam asked, “May I join you?”
Mary and Adam attended counseling sessions to work on their sense of identity. They discovered they could be more sensitive to another’s feelings. They attempted to get rid of the “should” in their relationship and to establish a more accepting, tolerant climate together. No more rejections, they vowed. No more bitterness or demands. Instead, they would try to notice stuffing-related issues as they arose and replace the fears with love and compassion.
Mary and Adam became more familiar with aspects of their inner selves, exercised new heart muscles, and learned to share a deeper form of intimacy with the other.
Several months later Adam, heading for a furniture convention in Las Vegas, asked Mary to join him. Adam and Mary took a road trip to Las Vegas for the convention and time alone.
On the drive Adam wanted Mary to savor the countryside with all her senses, observing and breathing in some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in the world. Wide-eyed Mary burst with joy, “Adam, it is so beautiful, breathtaking. Thank you for bringing me with you.” He patted her leg and continued the journey.
Driving toward the famous Las Vegas, Mary did not understand, nor could she imagine what their next two-day adventure would be like. As they crossed the dry Nevada desert and topped the last bare hill, Mary exclaimed, “I can’t believe the sight right before me. Everywhere I look I see flashing lights and buildings that seem to touch the sky.”
Heading toward their hotel, they turned onto the Las Vegas Strip, a place of indescribable scale and scope. As they cruised this overly glamorous Strip, there looming was a striking visual, a glass pyramid with its beam of light, its chocolate-and-gold sphinx and rows of shaved palms, the Luxor Resort. “Mary, this is our hotel.” Adam casually mentioned.
“This is amazing. The hotel is in the shape of a huge, black, Egyptian pyramid. I believe my eyes are about to pop out of their sockets.” Adam burst into laughter as Mary continued to stare with unbelief.
Mary’s mind ran wild, “This hotel seems dangerously close to the airport runway's edge. I wonder if the rooms tremble when jets land. Did you notice behind the hotel are mountains kissed by dust, the hue of bone?”
Adam’s laughter continued to roar. “You see it all. You miss nothing.”
“Yes, this town is full of mystery and our hotel is an architectural wonder. Wait till you see the inside. It will excite your curiosity even more.” As Adam was trying to explain, Mary was like an overly excited youngster. Her child-like wonder warmed his heart and made him happy. He thought I made a good decision to bring Mary on this trip. These couple days will be unforgettable.
Inside the pyramid under the beam a dazzling convergence of excitement, thrills and intrigue awaited them. The enormous casino was the center. Seeing all the slot machines and people hitting jackpots and winning coins was mind-blowing. There was a shopping center with tons of stores. One store sold only Las Vegas merchandise.
While Adam checked in with his business expense account, Mary purchased one of the many t-shirts displayed, one that featured a pyramid.
They headed up to their fifteenth-floor room. Upon entering, the sight amazed and awed Mary. “This room is luxurious. It is bigger than my entire apartment.”
She walked into the mammoth, gleaming marble bathroom with an extra-large soaking bathtub and an immaculate stone shower bordered with a rock wall. “There is room for two.”
“Then will you join me sometime soon?” Adam asked.
“Sure, when?” was her quick response.
Couches, armchairs, a table, beds, a bar, and an immense entertainment center filled the living area of the room.
They unpacked their bags and got ready for that shower together. Hand in hand they walked leisurely to the shower, stepping in their toes flinched as they touched the chilled ceramic floor. At the press of a button, the water poured down like a waterfall with perfect pressure and temperature. The sensation of the steamy water calmed him, taking his mind off up-coming responsibilities. All the things he honestly did not care about.
As Mary stood under the everlasting waterfall, she watched the stream of spray slowly make its way to his body and the perfect abs he had. The drops of moisture defined his well, organized and worked out body.
It felt sensational rubbing each other’s backs with the warm, sudsy wet and then enjoying a cuddle.
Dressed in business casual attire Adam and Mary headed for the Stratosphere and Vegas World, the unique restaurant at the top, noted for its culinary delights. In an elegant revolving atmosphere with unparalleled views, they dined on Shrimp Cocktail, Caesar Salad, Pan-Seared Ora King Salmon, Caramel Crème Brulee, and sipped Pinot Grigio.
Mary was awe struck by the newness of it all, the beauty, the smells, the tastes, and the attention to detail. Being overwhelmed made for a quiet and touching unforgettable experience. She looked across the table at Adam with stars in her eyes, asking, “Are there other places like this?”
Taking her hand, Adam assured, “Mary, there is no other place on earth like Las Vegas.” They smiled and squeezed hands.
They were arm in arm down the strip, weaving between the crowds while millions of lights, causing the dense mass of skyscrapers to glitter. Despite the time, the hustle and bustle never came to a halt. With the fabulous range of casinos, it was a heaven for gamblers. The others like the energetic and flashy ones looked to be rushing to a show or to chill out in a smoky jazz bar.
Adam and Mary found their senses welcomed the sight and sound of the spectacular musical fountains. “Adam, even amid all the night-crawlers, I find this peaceful.”
“It is calming and soothing after our eventful day.” Pushing her along, remembering his early morning business engagement.
Adam really hated the sound of the alarm clock that pierced and irritated as it repeated its beeping. After a minute or two, he slowly realized that Mary was in bed with him and this was not just another day. He and Mary were in Las Vegas and he had work to do. He had major responsibilities. He was hosting a breakfast. He was meeting clients. He needed to schedule time for the company exhibit booth.
Dressed and ready to go, he gave Mary some advice about the city and suggestions for the day. They would meet up at three. With a kiss Adam was out the door.
The warm Las Vegas sun was shining brightly in the blue and cloudless sky. A light breeze cooled the warm air just enough to stop her body from sweating. The breeze was clean and crisp blowing along with the scents of food, smog, body odors and whatever else that was.
She was not sacred to be alone in this hotspot filled with replicas of wondrous architecture and landscapes of the world. On this oasis island in the desert with timeless excitement, she felt complete freedom to indulge in all her desires.
After a donut and coffee at the coffee stand in the lobby, she walked the strip. There were thousands of people walking up and down. The first place she stopped was New York, New York. It was a mini New York; its architecture evoked the New York City skyline of the 40s. Towers squeezed together resembled sky rises such as the art deco skyscrapers, The Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building. The Statue of Liberty stood front and center at the entry.
After a visiting New York, she headed toward Paris not the real Paris, but hotel Paris. The front hotel décor was reminiscent of The Paris Opera House and The Louvre. She went to the top of Eiffel tower to take in 360-degree views from the observation deck. The property offered a whirlwind tour of the French capital’s most iconic sights, including a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.
When Adam met up with Mary at three, her eyes were alight, every muscle was moving. Just like a child she ran screaming with delight. He had never seen her smile so wide nor had he seen her reach so wide for his hug. Just seeing this bundle of joy, made him glad to be alive.
Time in the large soaking bathtub eased all the pent-up emotions and loosened all their tight muscles and gave them time to breathe and focus on their precious time together. Back rubs and snuggle time made for the start of a romantic evening.
As Adam and Mary walked the crowded strip surrounding every skyscraper and the hustle and bustle of people hurrying madly on their way, they marveled at a high volcano rising. Water and fire combined produced spectacular volcano “eruptions” synchronized with music.
Walking along they came upon a battle between pirates aboard the Hispaniola and British sailors aboard the HMS Britannia ending in the sinking of the HMS Britannia.
A little further down the strip, they caught a circus act.
Ready for a rest and starved, they settled for Mexican food. Mary talking with her mouth full, “Adam, this day has been unbelievable.”
Adam anxiously waiting, “Tell me all about your day.”
Mary begins, “First, Las Vegas is the most amazing place, and it’s right in the middle of nowhere. In one day in the middle of this desert I saw some of the worlds’ best.
I visited the sights of New York City and Paris. And I went back in time and got a sense of life during the Roman Empire. It was an exciting day. Oh yes, I noted all the fashions, fads, and styles, finding some peculiar or eccentric. I’ve decided I like my own designs and will stick to making my own clothes.”
Adam interrupted, “That’s good because I like your clothes. They are beautiful. What did you like best today?”
“The people are so full of life and energy. They make everything vibrate. I believe Las Vegas is a place all people should see at least once in their lifetime. Adam, how was your day?”
Lifting her from her chair and giving her a squeeze, “Your smile lit up my day.”
Back at their hotel Adam gave Mary a kiss, “Let’s call it an evening.”
With the lights dimmed, clothing discarded, and hand in hand Adam and Mary climbed into bed. Their bodies entwined as one on the fifteenth floor overlooking a concrete jungle. That concrete jungle was alive as the thousands of tiny windows on the high-rise buildings looked like a million sparkling diamonds. The concrete jungle never slept.
But Adam and Mary had a peaceful, restful, sound sleep.
Morning came, and they were awake, refreshed, motivated, and poised for a new day. Room service arrived with fresh-squeezed orange juice, omelets, muffins, and a pot of coffee.
As they sipped their morning brew, Adam wondered, “After my shift, how would you like to spend our last day in Vegas?”
Without a moment’s hesitation Mary said, “Let’s get married.”
Adam leaned in for a kiss, feeling a tingle spreading from his lips. Adam was not about to wait another minute. “I’ll be back at two and we’ll do it.” Holding each other in a tight embrace they danced in circles.
Leaving for the convention center Adam thought Mary is giving me a gift. And I accept. Meeting with clients he glowed with excitement thinking she is intoxicating. She has the exuberance of a child and it stirs me.
Mary got a city map, brochures on Vegas weddings and marriage license requirements. By the time Adam returned at two she had outlined the wedding plan, simple and nice.
When Adam entered the hotel room fifteen minutes early, they wasted no time joining the swelling ranks of Americans who opt to skip the stress of planning a wedding in favor of a private ceremony in Vegas.
Before this morning, they had not talked about marriage. They had not fantasized about what it would like to achieve that level of trust and commitment. They were doing what made them happy. And at that moment they wanted their relationship to become a marriage. They wanted a lifetime together, not a single day.
Dressed and ready, they made their way through the hotel casino to the outdoors. It was a scorching hot day, but the Las Vegas heat did not burn them nearly as the fires burning in their hearts.
A cab waiting was a welcomed sight, saving time and energy.
The Clark County Courthouse issued marriage licenses anytime of the day or night except for three short scattered breaks.
After a short wait, the clerk was ready. Mary swore that she was eighteen or over. Adam swore that he was at least twenty-one. Adam put up five dollars for the license. There was nothing else required.
The Little White Chapel was a block and a half up the street. With no reservations they placed them on a waiting list with an expected wait time of one hour. To pass the time they nestled in a booth at a nearby coffee shop for coffees and the sharing of a cinnamon scone.
“This reminds me of that first day we talked just the two of us,” Adam reminiscing.
“Me too, I recall the conversation, the feeling you gave. You didn’t know it, but that day you saved me.” Mary confessed.
“What I know is we became inseparable and though not married yet, we were one from that day on.” Adam holding Mary’s hand; her eyes sparkled.
Mary remembering her childhood, the family, and the rose garden, “Adam, marriage is something beautiful. It’s like an opening rose, always with radiant petals left to unfurl to a warm sun.”
“I think of it as a blessing to give to one another.” Adam paused then with astonishment stated, “Mary, we have no wedding rings.”
“That’s okay.” Staring at the floral shop next door with buckets of roses sitting out front, “What we need are two roses, a rosebud for your boutonniere and a long stem rose for my bridal bouquet.” They settled it: two roses.
Back at the chapel, the primary purpose of the wedding was to unite these two people that wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. It was not a promise to love one another until ‘death do them part.’
The hour arrived. With no mother present, no family in attendance, the chapel provided a witness. Adam in his impeccable business suit with a red rosebud boutonniere and Mary wearing one of her silk creations holding a long stem red rose, symbolizing romantic love, married.
At this moment Mary thought I wanted and needed a change; she turned to face Adam, the only man she felt ever loved her as tears flooded her eyes. She looked at him and smiled. He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her in.
Sweet, caring people created a beautiful memory for Adam and Mary. Wedding music played throughout the civil ceremony. A photographer captured the entire event.
At the close, they toasted with stems of pink champagne. Mary began to cry, “it was so nice,’ she sobbed, ‘as I hoped and dreamed it would be.”
Mary thought I realize that sometimes you must do the “selfish” thing because, for the moments that count, it is worth it to put yourself first. I always get what I want.
As they left the chapel, Adam stopped at an Italian wine and cheese shop, perused the wine selections, and made his choice of wine, breads, crackers, cheeses, and meats with garnishes of olives, tomatoes, and peppers.
Relaxing together in the comfort of their Luxor hotel room, Adam and Mary sipped wine, fed each other the antipasto goodies, and listened to music.
Picking up the photo album, she took a long look and then a few deep breaths. Silently, she gave words of thanks. All was well. She was ready to take a rest for the night, preparing herself for all the challenges of tomorrow. Their first night as a married couple came and went.
When Adam awakened the morning after, he had a unique feeling and thought about the path that lies ahead.
Then Mary piped up with, “Adam, this is the real deal. Our life together has begun and there’s no turning back now.”
“Moving in together makes me happy but I also find it frightening.” Adam revealed his honest feeling. Mary giggled and gave him a good morning kiss.
Adam shared, “It’s time we shift our focus from our wedding to the fast approaching moving in together. We must take a complete inventory of our joint possessions. I suggest each of us make a list of our household items, we’ll compare the two lists and get rid of all duplicate items.”
“That’s easy; I have only my clothes, a sewing machine, a bicycle and a piece of art.” Mary declared.
“That simplifies things so, we move you into my place.” Adam and Mary packed for their trip home.
From their fifteenth-floor hotel room, they stood, arms hugging, to take one last look at the most distinctive architectural designs, magnificent buildings, and countless dazzling skyscrapers, astonishingly tall and eye-catching. As they stared speechless, Adam whispered, “It would be easy to feel overwhelmed by people walking and talking in scores of different languages. We were not. This is the place where we tied the knot with no hiccups.”
As Mary snuggled closer, “I will remember it as my happy place.”
They left Vegas for home and the move.
The days and weeks came and went. It was a busy time in the lives of Adam and Mary, caring for their individual responsibilities. Since Adam traveled, he appointed Mary as financial manager of their shared budget.
Over time, they realized their wedding was a breeze, the moving in together was easy but there were big commitments. They never considered that one of their greatest difficulties would be each other.
Learning to live well with each other was challenging. Neither one had a toolbox with all the tools needed for success, nor did they have a guidebook or a roadmap to make their journey easier. They hit the ground running, and despite their good intentions and optimism, like most of us, they were flat-out unprepared.
Now they were sharing the living space. After traveling all week, Adam had moments where he felt suffocated. Mary had sewing projects spread around that were annoying, so he gave an exasperated sigh. Seeing the exasperated sigh, Mary rolled her eyes and stared into space.
Why did these behaviors make them see red? Did Adam think Mary taking up much of the space meant she did not care, was inconsiderate, or untidy? Did his sigh or her eye-roll leave her/him wondering whether she/he was worthy of her/his love? When distracted, do you assume that the other is tuning you out?
It was easy for Adam to be open and honest about how he felt. Mary felt he was blunt and uncaring. His bluntness gave her feelings of rejection like: Is he mad? Is he tired of me? Does he not love me anymore?
Adam and Mary needed someone to tell them, “Not everything your partner does is about you even though it may seem that way. Also, one’s emotional reaction is about your stuff from the past. The stuff you carried with you from childhood, the stuff that only you can resolve.”
Mary had insecurities, feelings of lack, not being good enough. She needed a generous supply of a kind, caring support.
Both were full of opinions---whether they expressed them. Each of them had their own likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams. Even when they were together, they wanted and needed time to pursue their own interests or just have a little space from each other. Adam needed a designated private zone for himself.
There were undesirable glitches that needed compromise and slight adjustments which called for patience and flexibility.
One day Mary declared, “Marriage is a tough teacher, the toughest I’ve ever had.”
Adam finishing his coffee added, “With plenty to learn.”
With a kiss and a hug, Adam left for five days of travel and Mary bicycled to her work at Sam’s Fabric Shop. Today, the shop would be closed for inventory and a spruce up, an exceptionally long day. Sam carried in mountains of food and drinks plus they would get time and a half. Even though Mary dreaded this day, she found that when it was all over there was a sense of accomplishment as a “Job Well Done” prize.
That evening after a warm shower, she cuddled up in her fuzzy robe with thoughts of her mother. It is time I touch base. I was in a huge hurry to get through high school, get a job, do my thing and be in a grown-up marriage. Impulsively, I said “I do” to my first real boyfriend and “I don’t” to what was a chaotic and mostly unhappy childhood, feelings of being unloved, not wanted, lacking in abilities, and other sad moments. All I wanted was some peace and order. When I met Adam, I felt happy and rescued.
After our quickie Vegas wedding was over, we settled down to a comfortable, drama-free existence. Despite our marriage with its glitches and challenges, I have a deep sense of contentment. After work one day soon, I will take the bus out to the farm. Besides my parents there are the roses and the apples.
Sam’s Fabric Shop sparkled from a freshening up, new inventory, and a re-organization of goods needing a lift. One of Mary’s duties was to take dated tired goods and give them a new life as garments for sale or for charitable causes.
That late afternoon Mary boarded the bus and headed for the country. She walked the path toward the family house, passing the apple orchard. Approaching the house, the smell of fried chicken made her dizzy and queasy. Her dad, Kenneth, was sitting on the porch rising as she came nearer and with a yell, “Is that you, Mary?”
“Yes, dad it is me. I came to see how you and mom are doing,” Mary said with calm and composure.
“Come in. We are ready to have some fried chicken and mashed potatoes.” Kenneth stated and then continued, “What are you up to? It has been some time since we’ve seen you.”
Thelma interrupted with a greeting, “Mary it is so good to see you. How are you doing? Join us for some fried chicken.”
Mary felt sick. Hearing the word ‘chicken,’ seeing the ‘chicken’ on the table, and smelling the ‘chicken’ made vomit come to the back of her throat, and she could not seem to swallow it back down.
Mary taking her time, trying to get control stated, “I am doing fine. I graduate. I have a job. And I got married to Adam Miller. He is a salesman for the furniture company. I am happy.”
Kenneth and Thelma sat stunned. Thelma finally got her breath and said, “We are happy you found happiness. That is all we ever wanted. Would you like the piano?”
It was hard for Mary to comprehend the offering. Her first reaction was, “The boys were always better on the piano than I was. Perhaps they would want the piano.” Silence penetrated the entire atmosphere.
“Don’t you want a piece of chicken? You used to like chicken.” Kenneth inquired.
“At this moment I feel a little nauseated and the smell of chicken isn’t settling well.” Mary confused.
Then she continued, “If you don’t mind, I would like to pick some roses and a few apples and take the next bus back into town.”
Together they picked a bunch of roses, gathered a sack of apples, and walked Mary to the bus stop just as the bus appeared on schedule. She boarded and waved. Kenneth and Thelma waved in return.
With a smile Mary handed the roses to the bus driver, “These roses symbolize God’s love at work.”
The bus driver smiled and muttered a “Thank you.”
Mary took the first available seat and vomited into the bag of apples. She wondered is this stomach flu or food poisoning.
What she did not realize was everything was about to change.
