Step 10
Dissipated and bleary, Enosh shambled in from the bedroom. Avishag looked up from preparing apricots for drying. This year’s weather produced an abundant harvest of apricots that would soon dry out under the bright Judean sun. “How are you, love,” She asked watching him shuffle across the room to pour himself a drink of water.
Enosh mumbled a reply and gulped down water.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t understand.”
“I said, I’m fine,” he replied sharply.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. What are you planning to do today,” Avishag asked turning back to her work?
Mopping his face to sop up the water that had dribbled into his beard from the cup, Enosh sighed, “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be gone all day and into the night.”
“I was hoping that we might spend some time together,” she said, “It’s been a long time since you and I enjoyed a day together. Couldn’t you take a break? You know, it’s not like we need more. You could rest here while I finish preparing the apricots. I could fix some of your favorite lamb and lentil stew while we talk. Remember, we used to do that and enjoy ourselves. We could eat our supper on the terrace and talk as the sun sets. It would be pleasant.”
Enosh glared at Avishag’s back as her shoulders worked rhythmically pitting the apricots, “I said I had business. All of these nice things you enjoy require denarius and you don’t get denarius without work. I’ll see you later!” And with that barked retort, Enosh turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, leaving Avishag alone with her pitting. Soon her shoulders heaved with a new, distressed rhythm.
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