Chapter 11 - What Arthur Could Never Forgive
Arthur finally told Leanne the secret that had tortured him most.
On the night of the fire, Samuel had begged him not to go into town.
The boy had been feverish and frightened.
Arthur went anyway because Anna needed medicine.
His last words to Samuel had been impatient.
“Be brave. I’ll be back.”
He never returned in time.
“I left him.”
“You went for medicine.”
“I left him.”
“You were trying to help him.”
Arthur struck the table.
“I was his father!”
Leanne waited.
Then she said quietly, “And you believe loving him means you must suffer forever.”
Arthur looked away.
“My husband and I argued the morning he died,” she said.
Arthur turned.
Leanne’s eyes filled.
“I told Thomas I wished we had never come west.”
She had carried those words like a stone ever since.
“I spent months believing my anger killed him.”
Arthur shook his head.
“It didn’t.”
“No.”
She looked directly at him.
“And going for medicine did not kill Samuel.”
Arthur could offer forgiveness to her.
But not himself.
Leanne reached across the table.
Her hand rested beside his.
Not touching.
Giving him the choice.
After a long silence, Arthur moved his hand.
Their fingers met.
Neither spoke.
Then Ghost screamed outside.
Arthur ran to the window.
Flames rose beyond the paddock.
The barn was burning.
May you like
Again.
---
