Calm Down - Chapter 1

His thoughts rushed in after Septima left the room. “I put too much on her. Flora left her sting and she had to deal with my mood swings and then there was Deja’s letter about the birth of Leah.

I put too much on her. She is a delicate, highly intellectual creature and I put too much on her,” he anguished. He had some time alone with her and the tears started to roll.

“Lord, please don’t take her from me. I don’t care if we never have children together. I need my wife. I need her to be strong, sound and healthy and happy.

“She said that she was not anxious to have kids. I think she went on this venture to please me or do the expected. Lord, I don’t think I could bear to bury another wife. And certainly not this lovely girl,” he said in a low audible tone. He had his head down in his hand as the tears flowed. He felt a light squeeze from her hand which still held his.

“My Phoenix-bird. Always reaching out to comfort others,” he whispered. A glimmer of hope lit up his heart and just as he was relishing the moment, he heard a light knock on the door.

April 11, 2026