The Meeting with Maria

In the days following their consultation under the oak tree, Javier felt a new layer of tension settle into his home. He watched carefully as Maria began to sense a shift in his demeanor. But she didn’t push hard, perhaps sensing the fragile nature of his thoughts.

“Are you okay?” she asked one evening as they sat together after dinner, children tucked away in bed. “You seem a little distant again.”

“I’m fine,” he assured her, the familiar anxiety creeping back into his veins. “Just thinking about work and normal things.”

“Javier, it can’t just be work. Something is going on, and I want to help you with it. Please stop shutting me out,” Maria pressed, her voice filled with concern.

He clenched his fists on his lap, battling with the urge to be honest, but the truth clawed at the edges of his conscience. “I promise, it’s just some work stress. I’m trying,” he responded, desperation tinging his words.

That night, as Javier lay beside Maria, grappling with guilt, the weight of the world pressed down on him. Yet, an ember of hope flickered with determination. Sharla’s plan reinforced his conviction that they were still operating under a shared understanding—it felt like a lifeline in the turmoil.

The following day, Javier put together an excuse about needing to help Sharla with some community project near the neighborhood. It would allow for light-hearted conversation before he scheduled their discussions to unfold.

When the evening came, Maria agreed to the plan, and Javier felt a flutter of nerves racing through him as he stepped out to keep his promise.

“I’ll be back later. Just helping out in the neighborhood,” he said as he left, forcing a casual tone while his heart raced in anticipation.