Eyes on the Unseen Prize

Chapter 6

  The Companion

  Faith relaxed on a couch as she watched Nathan pacing back and forth in the kitchen, seemingly stressed over something. Wearing a worn pair of blue jeans and a plaid button-down shirt with long sleeves, he appeared somewhat similar to an old farmer. He loved plaid. The salt and pepper hairs on his head were thinly scattered about, contrasting the thick texture of his matching beard and mustache. Faith studied him, wondering what was bothering him. He picked up a phone and dialed a number, yet never spoke. The person he was calling didn’t answer, likely due to the early morning hour. He grumbled as he put the phone down on the kitchen counter and resumed his pacing.

  The home in which Nathan and Faith lived was similar to the others and Faith appreciated both the home and its natural surroundings. She also appreciated its large picture windows and expansive views. Outdoor living in Orange Bay was very pleasurable, given its balmy, year-round temperatures.

  “I need help, man,” Nathan said as he looked over at Faith. She was sitting on the couch in the family room next to the open kitchen, feeling very sorry for him.

  “I’m out of my pain meds. Ran through them too quickly. My head is killing me. Massive migraine.”

  He clenched his fists and banged his right hand on the kitchen countertop.

  “Death is knocking at my door, Faith. Knocking like a thief in the night. Sometimes I wish I could answer the door and end it all. Would be so much easier than this life. Way too much pain in this life. I’m ready to meet my maker.”

  He picked up the phone again and dialed a number.

  “Uh, hello. This is Nathan Wagner. Can I get an appointment for later this afternoon?”

  Faith studied him as he paced about the kitchen, holding the phone nervously to his ear. She loved that man and wanted him to be pain free. He deserved a nice life, devoid of such pain.

  “How about tomorrow?” Nathan asked, and then waited for a reply.

  “I’ll see you then.” He hung up the phone and looked at Faith as he walked from the kitchen and into the family room.

  “Sometimes I wish I would just die, Faith, but I’m not ready to leave you. You’re what keeps me on this earth. My sweet companion. What do you say we get some fresh air and head outside for a walk?”

  He grabbed a bag of stale bread from the pantry and walked towards the front door. Faith got up and followed him.

  Moments later, Nathan and Faith were strolling outside, heading towards the woodlands behind their home along an old familiar pathway. The day was pleasant with a slightly cool breeze, and Faith soaked in the warmth of the Florida sun as they wandered along. Birds whisked by them in the air and squirrels scampered past them, occasionally offering some entertainment and a little whimsy. Being outside was good for Nathan. It helped to clear his mind of much negativity and stress. His many tours of duty had taken a toll on him and he was still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

  When they came to a fork in the path they were on, they turned off into the woods, and followed a different path towards the pond. The morning sun shone through the pine and mossy oak trees that surrounded them, reflecting its brilliant light from the trees’ green leaves. Faith could see the pond off in the distance. Its glassy water was always covered in lily pads and stocked with bass, carp, and catfish. That’s where they would spend the next hour while Nathan fed the crumbs of stale bread that he had carried with them to the hungry group of fish.

  Their time together was always enjoyable and relaxing, especially when they were outside immersed in their surroundings. She was happy to be a part of Nathan’s life. Though they had only been together for six months, it seemed as if she had known him forever and wanted to be with him for the rest of her life.