Huddled beside John on the sleeping mat, Ruth considered the month since the deaths. It had been a time of mourning, a farewell to what remained of innocence.
Realizing her husband was awake, she said, "I love you."
"I love you, too," he said. He rolled over on his side and looked at her, playing with hairs straggling about her face. "It seems like we never have enough time together."
"You're leaving?" she said, feeling a sinking inside.
"I have to. I'd like you to stay with your folks. I certainly don't want to leave you at Mother and Father's. I don't like going there anymore. I can't stand it without them. Besides, I don't think you'll be safe."
"Why not?"
"Some of the soldiers have gotten really angry with me. They might come looking for me. When I'm not there, they might hurt you and Daniel instead."
"What about your employees? Won't they be at risk?"
"I don't think so. I talked to them about it last week when I was there. I explained the possible dangers and asked if they wanted to leave. Nobody did. I left old Tobias in charge. Everybody loves him. There won't be much of a change, except Mother and Father won't be around. Anyway, I'd feel a lot better with you here."
A foreboding came over her. "Where do you think you'll go?"
"Everywhere. I can't put it off any longer. Father's death was a sign. He appeared to me right after his death and told me to use this as a stepping stone."
"That's what he said to Mother and me. She's called the women together."
"Yeshua called the men, too. People are calling them his apostles."
"I know," Ruth said. "He doesn't like the way they're setting him up."
"Interesting man, that brother of yours. When we were children I never thought we'd end up like this, me a prophet and him, I'm not sure what he is. Anyway, I must be off to do what I must do, though I don't want to leave you and Daniel."
"I could come with you."
"I don't think that's wise."
"You're probably right. John, be careful. I know this is who you are. I know you have much to do. And it's the right thing, but I do worry."
"I have to make way for what is to come."
"Some say you are here to make way for the messiah, and that's Yeshua."
"I know," John said. "In some ways they're right. I'm to prepare people for his message. They've got to learn effective ways to resist the oppression. It's designed to strip us of our freedom."
"The government already does that."
"Not like what's coming, Ruth. It's going to be bad. The only way to survive times like these is to develop inner strength."
Tears came to Ruth's eyes. "That's what Father says. I love you."
"Your love helps keep me going."
He hugged her close and kissed lips tasting of cinnamon and cloves. She always tasted of them. He kissed her breasts. Milk oozed forth.
"No wonder Daniel likes this stuff," he said.
He made love with her, caressed her easily, taking to him the part of her that he would always remember, her thoughtful, gentle passion.
~~~***~~~