Ruth: Reimagined

Routine

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Routine
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Time had passed and Naomi fell into a comfortable routine. She'd wake up  early in the morning while it was still dark, hearing the snores of Elimelek. She'd stare, a moment of quiet awe, placing a kiss on his cheeks, then his lips.

She'd leave the room, find a quiet corner, sometimes it was a room, and she'd pray.

A small, genuine prayer, where she'd wait for the little voice inside. Most times it never came, but  sometimes it did, but what always happened was this pouring out of peace into her heart.

She'd prepare breakfast for her husband and sons, a big meal, with lots of sides, that would give them strength. She'd pour fresh milk in the cups, and that would be around the time Elimilek woke up.

He’d hug her from behind while she busied herself in the kitchen, placing a soft lingering kiss on her cheek.

“Good morning Naomi,”

“Morning.”

“That is no way to greet your husband,” and he'd tickle her sides until she stopped what she was doing, turning to stare up at him.

And  she knew he only did this to stare, because Elimilek liked staring at her, since the beginning.

When they were younger, Naomi had the confidence that every young woman had, even if it was just an inkling of it to know they were able to capture a man's attention. But as she grew, the fear that he'd look away more often or overlook her completely came strong but everytime, Elimilek's love made that fear melt.

He still stared, his eyes were only for her, even as she aged, he still gazed upon her like she was the most beautiful thing to ever walk on earth.

“How's your day going?” He asked, caressing her cheeks, holding her in an embrace.

She laughed, a beautiful sound to his ears. “Elimilek the sun hasn't even risen yet.”

“So. That doesn't answer my question. Is it a good day? A bad one? Are you mad about something I did eight years ago—”she smacked his chest, chuckling.

“Tell me,” he said, staring into her eyes, genuine.

She took hold of his hand, placed it on her chest where her heart beat, a steady rhythm. “It amazes me how, he's able to slow this down. It's a peace that surpasses understanding.”

Elimelek smiled, taking pleasure in hearing her steady heartbeat, in seeing the ease in which she moved and breathed. Through the years, Naomi had been known to overthink, to panic and let it overwhelm her to the point where one-time she fainted by the river.

Then, she visited the temple of the Lord one day, and the panic attacks stopped, the overthinking slowed, and Naomi didn't make decisions in a haste. He'd seen what Yahweh had done in the life of his wife, and it made him fall deeper in love and reverence of his God, his King.

“I pray God gives you happiness all the days of your life. That this beautiful smile stays even through the storm.” And then he leaned in, like he’d done a thousand times, slowly, till their lips met in  sweet familiar kiss.

And Naomi felt her heart sigh, her bones ease. This is home.

“Don't steal all our mother's love!” Chillion said, stepping into the room.

Naomi broke out of the kiss, laughing. She pulled away from Elimelek, but he clung to her.

“Go back to your room Chillion, your mother and I are having an argument.”