21. The name she gave.
"Forgive me, but I cannot walk you out." She bends to the ground and picks up the cloth he discarded. She tosses them to a corner and walks over to the hearth where a pot was hanging. "I must start preparing dinner for myself." Was her only excuse even though it was high noon.
Opening the pot and staring into the pot like she could see an entire lifetime in it, Lydia refused to turn around and face him. Silence loomed for long moments until she heard his footsteps. Although she wished they would come closer to her, the more she listened the further away they were until she heard the door open and close and the cry in her throat burst out.
Her hands instantly clasped over her mouth to hold back her cries. With her shoulders trembling and her mouth covered, Lydia immersed herself in her tears and cries.
