The Breakfast

Ruth woke up from the bright sunshine coming through the slits of the blinds. It was Sunday. How she loved Sundays. Those were the days when she felt peace and calmness being in church. Today, her family was coming to visit. She missed her father so much. She missed listening to his calming voice that calmed her spirit. Her father would call her often during the week, she didn’t know how he sensed things were off in her marriage, but he knew. How she longed to tell him that things had changed between her and Phillip, but she couldn’t. Instead, she would hold her cry in her throat.

Ruth, had been married for a few months and yet it felt as if she had been married for years. She already walked carefully throughout her day. Every day she hoped for peace. She was careful in her movements, her conversation, and even in how she cooked for Phillip.

Today, she would try her best to please Phillip. She would make the best breakfast she could make. She wanted this day to be special. She wouldn’t let her clumsiness ruin it. Her family was coming and she just couldn’t wait to get to church. Phillip would be back from the orchard any time and she had to hurry up. She longed to receive his praise at her accomplishing something good. Lately, it felt as if no matter how hard she tried to please him she just couldn’t make him happy.

She got ready and rushed to the kitchen. She got the coffee pot started, set the orange juice on the table. Today, she had placed her best table cover, had the plates set out with the flat-ware and glasses. She brought roses from her rose garden, placed them in her crystal vase and set them in the middle of the table. How she loved Phillip for making her a garden where she could plant her favorite roses. Yes, her table looked beautiful and she was excited.

Phillip walked in and washed up for breakfast. She set out to making his favorite, over-easy eggs and crispy hash browns. Phillip was quiet and that made her very nervous. How she missed his easy and fun way of being towards her. She was sure it was the stress of keeping up with the apple orchard and being a minister in the church. She had convinced herself of that because she just didn’t know why else he would treat her the way he did.

Ruth placed the dish on the table for Phillip. Ruth longed for a thank you at least, but when she didn’t get any response she decided to head to the kitchen. The plate she had just served Phillip made it to the kitchen first. The eggs, and the hash browns were splattered on the floor, cabinets and dish washer.

She turned to see Phillip angry at her. She was confused not knowing what had happened and why he had thrown the plate at her. Phillip told her that the eggs were cooked all the way and were rubbery. She cried picking up the mess in the kitchen. She vowed that morning that she would work harder yet, and she would make the best eggs she could cook.

An hour later, they were in church as if nothing had happened.

Note by author:

No one should stay quiet when placed in this situation like Ruth. Find a friend to speak out. I know you will have an argument within yourself to justify it but I can tell you it will not get better. The situation will get worse.

Don't stay quiet. Speak out. Maybe you are not ready to leave, I suggest that you find a friend or call the 24 Hour Hotline to speak to someone 1-800-648-1277.