Chapter 19: The Truth Hurts
Tanya decides she is going to see her parents that week. There is really no point in delaying things when everything seems to be hanging by a thread. Its taking all her strength to allow herself to pray, as confusing as it all is.
Tanya makes a mental note to talk to Kupakwashe after everything else has been sorted. Dylan finally arrives home but his mood is no better than the last time they had spoken. He makes heavy strides on his way to the bedroom without greeting anyone. Tanya follows.
He is taking this too far. “Dylan, I’m about to leave are you sure you don’t want to come along?” Tanya asks.
“I’m sure.”
He remarks, sternly, while removing his socks. Tanya takes a chance.
“I need your support, Dylan I don’t see why you’re acting like this.”
“Right.” He simply states then he proceeds to the bathroom.
Nothing makes any sense for Tanya, so she decides to delay her mission for a while to deal with Dylan.
They had started talking, Dylan and her. Therapy had improved their conflict resolution skills and Tanya feels she is desperately watching as they spiral back into a dysfunctional existence.
Tanya sits at the edge of the bed wriggling her fingers impatiently waiting for her husband. Once or twice she almost dials the pastor’s contact. She needs answers, help, anything.
All of a sudden she is overwhelmed by everything. She feels like she can never fix her issues with her parents if Dylan isn’t there to support..she almost feels powerless without him. He has always been her pillar. She is cut short in her trail of thoughts by the door opening. Dylan stops midway, in reaction to Tanya’s anxious face.
” Do you still want me?” Tanya asks.
“What?” Dylan seems surprised.
“Dylan you can’t offer your support when you fully know how much I need it. You’re my husband for goodness sake!” Tanya raises her voice.
“I merely don’t want to enable your selfishness, “he states.
“Selfish? How’s all this selfish? Is it really because of this issue Dylan?”
“Tanya I don’t want to argue” Dylan remains calm.
“I’m not arguing; but if you ignore your wife and refuse to support her you ought to have a good reason for it! Which you don’t!” Tanya’s voice remains high.
“You might want to calm down first Tanya, the kids are up.”
“Honestly Dylan that’s your concern?! You haven’t even answered if you still want me or not. You don’t anymore, do you? Answer Dylan ndipindure?”
She puts her hands on her waist and taps her fingers in her body impatiently.
“Dammit! You’re always like this, just like your mother you don’t know when to tone it down! Respect me Tanya inini your husband! And this is that selfishness I’m always talking about. Just yesterday you shouted at Kupa for the most stupid reason and now you can’t have a decency to know as a mother you shouldn’t let your kids hear you argue. If i knew you’d make such a terrible mother….”
He stops midway and breathes heavily. Then he takes a pillow and walks out of the room banging the door behind him. Tanya throws herself on the bed. Blank and unaware of what to feel.
