Author: usmgrad
Subject: HBX challenge May - Nobody Said It Would Be Easy

HBX Challenge May 2007 – Nobody Said It Would Be Easy
Author – usmgrad
Disclaimer – no names are mentioned, nothing to disclaim

Angst, set earlier in the marriage, both still with insecurities


If asked in later years they would both say it strengthened their marriage. But right now – it nearly tore it apart. His grandmother gave them one piece of advice when they married, never to go bed angry. They never did, until now. They were arguing. Neither was getting through to the other. They had both stopped listening and then they stopped talking. He got a call, he had to leave, orders. She didn’t say anything, didn’t question. They didn’t say good bye. He left. She hurt. The pain in her heart was so strong she didn’t know if she would survive. He was gone and she didn’t know if he would come back. What she didn’t know was, he was feeling the same pain, only he didn’t know if she would be there when he did come back.

He was gone for three days, three very long days. They didn’t contact each other, no calls, no messages. Both were afraid the other wouldn’t be there. He worked, she worked. She went home alone; he was alone in a hotel room. His assignment completed, he was coming home, but was he coming home to her?

She waited, nervous about what might happen when he walk in the door, scared to death he wouldn’t come home at all. Then he was there,

“I’m home.”

“I was afraid I'd chased you away. I'm really glad you came.”

“It wasn't an easy decision.”

“I know. But it was right, I promise you.”

“I didn’t know if you would be here.”

“This is our home. Where else would I be?”

They stood there, neither knew what to do, what else to say. They just looked at each other.

She moved toward him, “I love you.” She needed to be in his arms, to feel his love.

He took a step closer to her, “I love you more than you know.” opened his arms to her, he ached for her touch.

They came together. Embracing, reaffirming their love for each other. Everything would be alright.

The reason for the argument soon faded. But the feelings they experienced were always there as a reminder. Never again would they argue like that. They would disagree, but they never again stopped listening, stop talking. They always came to an understanding before they went to bed, before they were separated, even if that was to agree to disagree. It was difficult at times, sometimes down right hard, but nobody said it would be easy.