UNBROKEN PROMISE

~37~ Confrontation

TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

A few days had passed since Mama Becca had a word with Logan.  Oma and Megan worked together near the laundry line, their hands busy scrubbing and wringing out clothes. The sound of water slushing in the tub and gently rustle of wildflowers couldn’t mask the heavy tension that lingered between them. Megan was stealing glances at Oma, noticing the dark circles under her eyes and the quiet, distant look that was becoming a habit.

Finally, Megan broke the silence. “Oma,” she started, her voice hesitant but firm, “how’ve things been with Logan?”

Oma hesitated, her hands stilling on the fabric she was scrubbing. She looked down at the soapy water, her reflection rippling on the surface as she searched for the right words. “Not good,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like… it’s like we’re going backward. Any progress we made—it’s gone.”

Megan frowned, setting aside the shirt she’d been washing and giving Oma her full attention. “What do you mean?”

Oma sighed, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of her words was too much to bear. “He barely talks to me anymore,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Most nights, he doesn’t even eat supper with me. He goes into town and comes back late, sometimes hurt. And I know… I know those injuries are his own doing. I just don’t know what to do, Megan. I don’t know how to reach him.”

Megan shook her head, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. “That man is his own worst enemy,” she muttered. “You shouldn’t have ta be goin’ through this, Oma. You’re his wife, not his punchin’ bag for emotions he won’t deal with.”

Oma shook her head quickly, her hands waving in protest. “It’s not like that,” she insisted. “He doesn’t take it out on me, not directly. It’s just… he’s so distant, so closed off. Something’s eating him up, but he's trying to hide it”

Megan’s frown deepened as she stared at Oma, processing Oma's words. Finally, she set her jaw, her eyes blazing with determination. “That’s it,” she said, standing up abruptly and wiping her hands on her apron. “I’m gonna have a word with him. This has gone on long enough.”

“Megan, no!” Oma said quickly, dropping the shirt she’d been scrubbing and grabbing Megan’s arm. “Please, don’t. I don’t want you getting in trouble over this.”

Megan looked down at her, her eyes softening slightly but her resolve unshaken. “Oma,” she said firmly, “I ain’t gonna stand by and watch him treat you like this. If Jacob wants to be mad, he can be mad, but I’m not lettin’ Logan drag you through the mud just ‘cause he’s too stubborn to face his own demons.”

Oma opened her mouth to protest again, but before she could, Megan was already marching toward the main barn, her apron flapping behind her. Oma followed quickly, her heart pounding as she tried to keep up.

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Logan was walking toward the east side of the property, a set of tools slung over his shoulder. His face was set in its usual grim expression, his eyes focused on the path ahead. He didn’t notice Megan until she was right in front of him, shoving him hard, causing him to stumble slightly.

“What in tarnation—” Logan started, his brow furrowing in confusion as he looked at Megan. “What’s this about?”

“What’s this about?” Megan echoed, her voice sharp and loud. “This is about you bein’ a  ninny brain! You’re so busy punishin’ yourself, you don’t even see what you’re doin’ to her!”

Logan blinked, his confusion giving way to irritation. “Megan, I don’t know what you’re on about, but I ain’t in the mood for this.”

“Well, you better git in the mood,” Megan snapped, stepping closer and jabbing a finger at his chest. “’Cause I’m done watchin’ ya act like a fool and drag Oma down with you. You wanna wallow in yur misery? Fine. But ya don’t git to make her suffer for it.”