Ana sat in her usual spot by the fountain.
The seasons were once again changing. She watched as the townfolk gathered their supplies in to make ready for another winter.
This past year in Dale with Amaken had been a mixed blessing. He was, as ever, working hard in his family trade and had turned around its successes once more and it was back to being the thriving business it once was. Ana loved to see him beam with pride at his work and shared in his happiness of a job well done. She had played the role of the dutiful wife, and whilst she did not begrudge that for a moment, there was a feeling growing in the pit of her stomach, that there was something missing. She had fought to push it to one side however, as with all that had happened over the last few years, she had found value in this time of refreshing and rest.
In the hustle and bustle of the market place, her mind wandered. She recalled those arguments with her parents and her resistance to “settle down”, yet here she was, doing just that. But did she actually want to? It had just sort of happened, but she wasn’t sure how long she could feel comfortable here.
She gathered up her belongings and headed back to the workshop. Her husband would soon be finished for the day and they would walk home together as usual.
As they walked, she tried to push her concerns to the back of her mind, but as ever, Amaken could see and sense something was troubling her.
After several attempts at denial, Ana finally broke and began to tell him the things on her mind.
He listened, silently, taking in what she was saying, her thoughts, her concerns, her doubts – it all came flooding out.
When she had finished speaking, he paused and turned to look at her.
“Ana” he said, his blue eyes looking deep into hers. “I know this is not the life we had planned”. Taking a deep breath his continued “However, this IS my life now. I need to be here. But you? I know deep down that this is no life for you.” He lifted his hand to wipe a tear from her eye. “My heart will always be your home, but I do not need to have you caged here permanently to love you.”
He looked at her seriously “I think it is time you seek work, and your purpose once more. I will always be thankful that you have set aside this time with me, until I got things back on their feet, but yes, I do think it is time that you take some time for you. Get back on the road – find where you are needed. Your home will always be here with me so I am sure that you will always find your way back.”
As he held her face gently in his hand, Ana closed her eyes. Although she did not plan to leave immediately, she knew that this would be the last season change she saw here for a while.
