04
Through the walls a new sort of conversation takes place and I know instinctively Daniel and Crys must be in the room right next to me. I discern from her tone, Crys is crying.
“I love you so much, Dan. So much. Why do you hurt me? You scare me sometimes.”
I think Crys is speaking to herself until Daniel responds considerably later.
“I’m sorry, Crys.”
The dark silence is palpable.
“I can’t control myself. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s my job, and my family; everyone has it out for me. They all hate me. I try to keep it inside but sometimes it comes out. I’m sorry; I’ll be better. Better for you. I can’t lose you Crys; you’re all I have. I love you.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
Daniel continues speaking, “I support you, don’t I? I support you. I work my ass off all day to put food on the table, keep the lights on, a roof over our head. I work hard ya know. Sometimes I just get mad. That’s all it is. You know, I’m hungry when I get home; bitter all day, I wanna eat. You get that, right? That’s where you come in. I support you and you support me; equal partners. You help with stuff around the house: laundry, dishes, food, cleaning, that sorta stuff. I think it’s a good system we got. So sometimes, with all these things, I get a little mad if you mess up. But I always love you. Even when I’m mad.”
Some time passes and I ponder Daniel’s words while assuming Crys is doing the same. Daniel’s continued speech intrudes on my thoughts.
“Ya know, I’ve been reading The Bible and trying to be better for you honey because you deserve it. So I’m sorry if I mess up sometimes. But you’re the one for me, Crys."
Crys, like me, is mulling over Daniel’s assertion before she responds. My thoughts drift to the painting on the wall with its azure ocean and calming sky. Crys’ tone changes slightly; she’s a little more gleeful now.
“The only one for you?” She takes measures to emphasize the word only.
Daniel reads her tone and matches it, with a tingle in his voice, “The only one, baby.”
Together, Daniel and Crys share some gentle laughter and soft kisses; I envision them embracing each other on a fluffy golden cloud as I light an orange sky all around.