Ocean's Breath Plateau The wreck of the day

She knew she should have felt relieved when he came to her- that it might mean he would choose her over his plans to keep Sulukinak from leaving. Inevitably, though, she knew he would come to her, whether it was because he wanted to, or because he felt obligated to do so. They were early in their marriage still- she may as well appreciate the sense of obligation while it lasted.

He spoke of warm, summery things- of her family’s old homeland, of their children, of sunny days to come. Sugar, she thought; maple sap against rough bark- sweet, but not enough to soften the coarseness of the tension between them. She offered only a small nod and a light smile. Yes, she would like to see the island, and take their children there, if children should come.

She tilted her chin up to accept his touch, and felt her cheeks warm under the brush of his breath. But her eyes welled with tears as he rushed to ask her what bothered her. She tried to swallow, but found a lump in her throat. Many things buzzed on the tip of her tongue, angry as hornets; she sought to temper her impulse, but found it difficult to be reasonable. 

”Why did he say you want Sulukinak for second wife?” She choked.