Michael Malone - Weebly

the velvet-curtained grille, the aged celibate had said
only, "Marriage is a holy sacrament. You have made
vows to God and to the church and to your husband.
They must be honored. You must struggle with your
heart and do your duty with good grace. You must pray
for contentment. I know it seems hard."
Judith Sorrow Haig had struggled with her heart all
her life. It did seem hard.
Darkness pulled around her like a shawl, she
walked to the picture window and drew back the
curtains. Haze hid the stars. The moon was luminous
and full. Behind her, suddenly, the phone began to ring
again. The loudness pierced her, though she had been
waiting for it, and her legs almost gave way. Her hand
tight on the curtain, she waited, listening as if the huge,
splattering sound came from the man himself. She
assumed a man. The phone kept ringing.
Finally it stopped. She didn't move. Then it began
again. What if it was John at the station? He would
come home to find out what was wrong if she didn't
answer. What if it were, for whatever reason, Winslow
Abernathy? She jerked the curtain shut, ran, and