A New Story: Would We Have Gotten Married

Bob moved back home but tensions were still too high for him to share a bed with Marsha.  They agreed not to raise their voices.  If yelling felt necessary, the one who had the need wouldn’t say a word but simply would raise their hand.  The other was to remain quiet and let them cool off.  It wasn’t a perfect system but it helped them avoid unpleasantness they both didn’t want.

Bob started asking the questions he buried deep in his soul.  During the second evening he was home, he asked Marsha, “If you knew then what you know now, would we have gotten married?”

Marsha looked at Bob with a hint of surprise.  She gave a pause before saying, “Yes.”  Silence, other than the television and ceiling fan, returned to the room.  Then she added, “What about you?”

Bob already knew his answer.  He had known for years but understood the consequences of sharing this knowledge.  Though his words would sting, Bob had to move forward.  In spite of their current difficulties, she had been his companion for most of his life.  She deserved to know the truth.  Finally, he said, “No.”

The word pierced Marsha’s heart.  Primal fears surfaced.  Ordinarily, she would lash out but knew it wasn’t an option.  Conflicts filled her emotions.  Marsha’s spirit plunged into black pain as tears ran down her cheeks.  She quietly retreated to the bedroom.  In the past when Bob upset his spouse, he would give her a few minutes before going to her to apologize.  Things were different now.  They were trying to save a marriage that teetered on the brink.  He knew he couldn’t apologize for being truthful.  His reply was without malice.  Despite pain and confusion in his soul, Bob was certain trying to save the marriage was the right thing to do.  However, he also knew they were on the precipice.  Could they afford a step back in order to move forward?

Marcus grabbed the iron and ironing board and clearly heard again his father’s words of wisdom.  “If you can’t make a decision about marrying a girl after one year, you need to let her go.  Otherwise, you are wasting her time and life.”  Marcus and Julie were both 28 years old and they had dated for nine months.  As he ironed a dress shirt, the thought of being with Julie until death thrilled him. 

Since Marcus lived much further from work than Julie, he woke before her.  His first act after shutting off the alarm was to send her a text.  Sometimes it was a silly greeting or syrupy sweet statement of his love for her.  They had lunch together at work and met at every other opportunity during the day.  Most evenings were spent together.  They also exchanged phone calls or texts to bid each other a good night.  Julie was his first and final thought of every day.  Julie was part of his DNA.  He couldn’t imagine life without her. 

He believed it was time to start shopping for an engagement ring.  He knew his heart was ready for this next step in life and in their relationship.  The thought of seeing Julie’s face light up at the sight of an engagement ring thrilled him.  All day his spirit soared.  He knew he loved Julie and wanted an exclusive life with her.