Rival Within by SJD Peterson

Author:SJD Peterson [Peterson, SJD]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2016-07-19T00:00:00+00:00

“HE’S OUT cold,” Tom informed Marna as he rejoined her in the living room, taking a seat across from her in his worn-out recliner.

It had been an exciting day for his son—the train ride, playing at the church, running around his house and yard, screaming in delight with every new discovery. Tom had been able to set aside everything in his troubled mind in the wake of his son’s youthful wonder and excitement. But now he found himself once again feeling as if he were a stranger in his own home.

From where she sat on the couch, Marna set her needlepoint aside, curled her feet up under her, and picked up her mug. She nodded to the steaming one on the table next to Tom. “I made us some tea,” she commented before taking a sip.

“Thank you,” he responded politely but didn’t reach for it. Instead he pulled out the crumpled pack of smokes from his pocket and slid one between his lips.

“When did you start smoking those?”

Tom stared at the pack of Lucky Strikes. His first thought was when Ben left them behind, but instead of answering right away, he struck a match and lit up, ignoring the tightening in his chest. “Just something different,” he finally said.

“You seem distant,” Marna commented. “Anything wrong?”

Everything. “It’s been a trying time. Between work, helping out where I can, and spending my evenings fixing this place, I’m exhausted.” It wasn’t a lie: he was exhausted. Weary in his bones, in his mind, and in his soul.

“You did a great job,” she complimented. “The house looks nice.”

“Thank you.”

“As does the church,” Marna pointed out. “I’m really looking forward to Sunday morning service.”

Tom took a deep draw from his cigarette, tilted his head back, and blew it out slowly, watching the smoke swirl around above him. “Thank you,” he repeated. “I’m sure the ladies’ auxiliary as well as Pastor John will be glad to have you back.”

The uncomfortable silence that followed was as thick as the smoke filling the room and as heavy as the weight of Tom’s heart. It was nearly unbearable, suffocating. He snubbed out his cigarette and picked up his tea, taking a tentative sip of the hot brew. “Marna?”

“Yes?”

“Are you happy?” he asked without meeting her gaze.

She didn’t answer right away, no doubt carefully choosing her words before she spoke. Marna had always been a gentle soul. Even when things were bothering her, she never complained and always did her best to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. Tom already knew the answer. How could she be? Prior to meeting Ben, Tom had believed that, although the marriage wasn’t perfect, Marna could have done worse than having a man who provided for her yet didn’t love her. Now he wasn’t so sure.

“I’m a very lucky woman,” she finally answered.

“How so?”

“I have a healthy, beautiful son, a nice home, and I’m married to a good man. I have so much more than most, and for that I am thankful.”

Tom nearly choked on Marna’s compliment.

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