34. Becca
THIRTY-FOUR
BECCA
In the dim morning light, I see something colorful propped on top of my chicken enclosure’s fence. I smile as it comes more into view with each step I take. The colors are kind of haphazard and they’re a little wilted, but a bundle of flowers sits there.
“Morning, girls,” I say to my chickens as I pick up the bouquet. “Did a grumpy bear come by here last night?
They’re bound by a zip tie and a Paint Auto business card sticks out the top.
Reba,
I hope it’s ok I picked some flowers. I’ll help you plant new ones.
You deserve every single flower.
Ty
PS: sorry about the zip tie
I hold his note and the scraggly bunch of flowers to my chest, a bittersweet ache settling there. Last night, I didn’t know how to handle him. Part of me felt rejected when he left, but I’m glad he asked for what he needed.
But I kind of needed him too, and I didn’t realize it until he was already gone. I’m used to people talking bad about me, and I have no trouble either ignoring it or fighting back. I’ve never taken it as anyone’s responsibility but my own. I can defend my honor.
Hearing Tyler stick up for me put into perspective just how cruel people’s comments can be, that I’m not the only one who thinks it’s unacceptable. I was left feeling vulnerable and wounded.
A couch cuddle with my husband could have healed me. Unfortunately, our relationship isn’t there yet. Not everybody works like me where you’re willing and able to give and receive love freely, no matter how many times you get kicked down.
But I can wait for Tyler.
If anything, this will be a practice in patience. And against my will, it will likely be good for me.
BECCA
Thanks for the flowers. Loved the creepy touch with the zip tie.
TYLER
I said I was sorry about that! It was all I had on me!
BECCA
Don’t apologize. I love your creative use of zip ties
I’ll take you up on your offer to help me plant more in the spring
TYLER
So I’m clear to keep picking flowers?
BECCA
Mi casa es su casa
TYLER
I never took Spanish. Please translate
BECCA
You can pick as many flowers as you want :)
TYLER
Expect more bouquets
BECCA
Wow, first it was Big Daddy Auto. Now they’ve expanded to Big Daddy Floral. What’s next, Big Daddy Zip Tie?