Tacoma Falls: Homeland

Silence is deafening

Morgan

I learned many lessons since Momma died. The major one is silence is deafening. It's when your thoughts are the loudest during the quiet moments. It's when you're not busy and have time to think.

When you're busy, you're not thinking. But when you stop, your thoughts scream at you constantly.

I lean on the wooden fence, letting my mind wander.

"I thought I would find you here," Hank said, leaning on the fence beside me.

"I was trying not to overthink or let my mind wander."

"Are you thinking about Amber?"

"Amber, my momma, that toad. Pick one." I shrugged.

"Darlin, no one will fault you for dealing with huge blows in a short time. You got walloped quite hard. Most people would give up after getting knocked down."

"It's not how hard you get knocked down, but if you get up."

Hank glanced at me with an arched brow.

I rolled my eyes. "Momma loved watching the Rocky movies. She said they gave her inspiration to keep going."

"You're just like your momma. You get knocked down, but get back up. You proved that when you left that toad and returned home."

I gave Hank a slight smile before it faded. "I'm worried about Amber."

"I know you are, Darlin."

"But I know Amber. She won't talk if you force her. She's a stubborn mule."

Hank looked at me with knitted brows.

******
Hank

After visiting my folks, I brought Morgan home. She wandered off behind the house. I found her leaning against the fence. I watched her struggle with two big blows, losing her momma and dealing with him.

Most people would crumble after that double whammy, but Morgan didn't. She pushed forward as much as anyone could during this time.

It didn't help that she worried about Amber. Mary, Morgan, and Amber would pal around until Morgan ran off with that toad. I hated it when she left. She took my heart with her.

So, I spent many nights in the deafening silence, listening to my heart break. Even the girls I dated could fix my broken heart. They tried like hell but always fell short. They weren't Morgan.

When Morgan returned, it gave me hope. I hope that I will have my chance with her. Then I got it and never looked back. The ring on her finger proved it.

"Are you going to talk to Amber tomorrow?"

Morgan looked at me. "Yeah. Hopefully, Amber will talk."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then I'll wait."

I wrapped my arm around Morgan, pulled her to me, and kissed her temple.

******
Amber

I applied makeup to conceal the bruises so people wouldn't talk. I sat at my vanity and applied concealer to my skin.

Rusty rested his hands on my shoulders, rubbed them, and leaned into my ear. "I don't want no trouble tomorrow."

"I said I won't cause any trouble."

"That's what you said the last time. I don't like it when you lie to me. I don't like to punish you when you do."

"I promise to keep my mouth shut."

"Good girl." Rusty kissed my cheek while digging his finger into my shoulders, reinforcing his words.