#Chapter 14: The Past Clearer

Garnar stares me down for a long moment, his expression dire and intense. But then, his lip curls and he bursts out laughing instead. “You must be joking,” he guffaws. “I’m serious,” I say. “What about anything that is happening right now that would make you think I’m being funny?” He sobers himself to stop laughing, but his smile remains. “For ten years, you’ve ever been a dedicated wife. You gave up your male friends when I asked. You cut down on all your time spent outside the home. You even missed your father’s 60(th) birthday when I came down with the flu…” I remember making Garnar chicken soup and staying by his side as he slept. Whenever I suggested I should leave for the party, he grabbed my hand and told me, “I need you more than he does, Esther. If you love me, you’ll stay…” When I finally agreed, he sat up in bed and watched shows that made him laugh. His cough miraculously went away. He never did develop a fever. I was a fool, even then. So madly in love with th