Step 5
Avishag set on the porch as the gloom settled around her. Soon the darkness surrounding her matched the darkness insider her. How had her life grown so empty and, and, and…well lifeless? Oh, she liked their home on the western side of the city. While not the largest and most opulent, she enjoyed the comforts it afforded. She enjoyed nice clothes, especially the feel and bright colors of silks from Cathay, but they did not fill the emptiness of her heart. It was more than just the lack of children. Enosh had grown so distant and self-absorbed with seeking out every new or interesting food. They no longer enjoyed long conversations, lingering over sweet-meats and fruit as the sinking sun slowly painted the buildings in soft yellow, gold, and pink pastels. His ingrown churlish nature had carved a chasm so deep they could not cross, simply standing on different sides staring at each other in the darkness. Now, they shared a name and home, but little else. Sitting in the dark as silent tears trickled across her cheeks, lost in her grief and pain, she did not notice Enosh standing in the dark doorway.
Enosh leaned against the doorway, watching his wife quietly weep. He wanted to care, but could not summon the strength to do anything about it. He’d worked so hard to provide for her and build a good life yet nothing seemed to please her. But she was not the only one who felt empty. Nothing seemed to provide pleasure that lasted. Oh, he might enjoy a new food or wine a few times, but then all the joy or pleasure evaporated, leaving emptiness behind. Enosh had nothing left to offer. Avishag would have to just figure this out on her own. Sighing, Enosh turned and reentered their comfortable, but darkened, home, leaving Avishag in her own darkness.
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