Step 11
Enosh hustled through the crowded busy streets of Jerusalem, running over his earlier conversation with Avishag. Their relationship bemused him. He wasn’t sure what to do about it. He loved Avishag but was frustrated by their lack of children. He’d always wanted a child or two, a little boy and a little girl. Why had Adonai closed her womb? What grievous sin did she harbor? He had long since given up hope for progeny. He knew that they faced a long decline into old age and eventual death. That was what drove him on in the business. Without children and grandchildren, they would have to hire servants to care for them, and that took money. He needed to save enough to care for them when he could work no longer. Meanwhile, he tried to fill the void in their lives with pleasure; however, Avishag did not seem to really enjoy any of the pleasures he brought home, not the fine foods, not the colorful silks, and not the comfortable furniture. Perhaps a servant to help with the work around the house would soothe her? That was where he was headed.
Ignoring street vendors selling dates, pomegranates, apricots, almonds, and other nuts, Enosh headed toward the upper city, near Herod’s palace. His friend Sergius would be able to provide him one, or maybe two servants. He’d already purchased one slave from Sergius. That had caused quite a stir with Avishag. She did not approve of slavery, merely tolerating the presence of surly Demetrius. She seemed to like Alter, but then, she almost never saw the shepherds. Perhaps a young girl to help her with household management. If they got along, that might ease things around the house. Yes, that might be just what they needed. Avishag seemed to resent his pleasures. It could be that she wanted more time to enjoy herself. This rationalization emboldened him, spurring him on. His sandals fairly slapped the cobblestones and the fringes of his robe swept imperiously as he hurried on toward the tony homes near Herod’s palace.
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