After dinner, I sit in my room listening to music. I hear a knock on the door.

“Come in,â€? I say

It’s Edwin. He stands at the door in silence.

“I just wanted to… I…â€? He stutters than swallows hard.

“It’s ok; I should’ve told you where I was going. It won’t happen again Edwin.â€?

“Thank you Hazel, but I wanted to talk to you about this commitment.â€?

“Oh ok.â€?

He comes closer to me and sits down on my bed. He talks avoiding contact.

“Now I know I haven’t really been there emotionally with you. I am sorry for that… I have been through… a lot and I just want you to know it was nothing you did. I also want to assure you I am committed to this marriage.â€?

“Thank you Edwin,â€? I say in my nicest voice possible.

“Hazel?â€? He looks at me with concentration. I have never seen this side of him.

“Yes?â€?

“Are you committed to this marriage?â€?

“Well ya, it’s not like I have a choice.â€?

“Good point,â€? He says with a hint of smile in agreement.