01-10-2020, 07:24 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-10-2020, 07:27 AM by Benjamin Ward.)
[Content warning: Reference to domestic violence]
It may have been a month, maybe two months since Ben had fallen out with Elijah. As far as he was aware, none of the children had talked to him since, and he had strictly forbidden them to do so. Now and then, doubt gnawed at him - that he might be on the wrong side, that he was being too harsh, that he missed Elijah. Especially in prayer or in church, doubt, shame even, would plague him. He tried to be more patient with Simon, although his son didn't seem as conciliatory from his side.
Autumn was settling in now, and still Ben refused to reconcile with the person he had once thought of as an own child. At times, his mind went back to Elijah's father, with whom Ben had been closer than brothers. Would he have been disappointed with his friend, for how he was treating Elijah? But Ben would tell himself that he too would have disapproved of Elijah's actions - arresting him, breaking into his family sphere, criticizing him, no, scolding him like he was the parent and Ben the child. Pointing out his so-called wrongdoings. Saying that he was cruel to his children. Being disappointed with Ben. The anger returned whenever he would think of it, and what little remorse had grown during prayer and moments of reflection would evaporate. Ben knew he wasn't wrong. He knew he wasn't cruel. He knew Elijah had no right to be disappointed with him. He had done what he could under the circumstances, when Simon had been in need of some tough love. He was only seeking to protect
It was a Saturday afternoon and he was at the upper harbour with Simon and Will, unloading the boat. He was just heaving up a barrel, when he spotted Elijah passing by. He turned back to the boat to pretend not to see him. Will too suddenly seemed very occupied.
"Hi Elijah!" said Simon.
Ben clenched his teeth together.
It may have been a month, maybe two months since Ben had fallen out with Elijah. As far as he was aware, none of the children had talked to him since, and he had strictly forbidden them to do so. Now and then, doubt gnawed at him - that he might be on the wrong side, that he was being too harsh, that he missed Elijah. Especially in prayer or in church, doubt, shame even, would plague him. He tried to be more patient with Simon, although his son didn't seem as conciliatory from his side.
Autumn was settling in now, and still Ben refused to reconcile with the person he had once thought of as an own child. At times, his mind went back to Elijah's father, with whom Ben had been closer than brothers. Would he have been disappointed with his friend, for how he was treating Elijah? But Ben would tell himself that he too would have disapproved of Elijah's actions - arresting him, breaking into his family sphere, criticizing him, no, scolding him like he was the parent and Ben the child. Pointing out his so-called wrongdoings. Saying that he was cruel to his children. Being disappointed with Ben. The anger returned whenever he would think of it, and what little remorse had grown during prayer and moments of reflection would evaporate. Ben knew he wasn't wrong. He knew he wasn't cruel. He knew Elijah had no right to be disappointed with him. He had done what he could under the circumstances, when Simon had been in need of some tough love. He was only seeking to protect
It was a Saturday afternoon and he was at the upper harbour with Simon and Will, unloading the boat. He was just heaving up a barrel, when he spotted Elijah passing by. He turned back to the boat to pretend not to see him. Will too suddenly seemed very occupied.
"Hi Elijah!" said Simon.
Ben clenched his teeth together.
