Is it possible to soothe those seething situations where your partner demands something? Well, in today’s How-to’s post, you’ll find one solution and perhaps realize that, sometimes, finding another partner could be a better option.
As our story unfolds on page 3 & 4 of dad’s book “Rowena”, we’ve just been introduced to the title character, a young child almost five, and her father, and as their train journey together comes to an end, we learn a great deal more about her dad.
The big man stood and stepped into the aisle. Retrieving two suitcases from the rack, he dropped the smaller one beside the girl. “Come along, child, we best be gettin’ off.”
Abruptly he turned, and walked to the end of the car, leaving the child staring after him.
Flexing her thin legs, the girl slid to the floor; and, with the satchel bumping at her heels, struggled to keep up.
“Hurry, Child! I don’t have all day!”
She hastened her step, nearly falling in the attempt.
His laugh was mirthless. “I swear,” he muttered, as he hurried down the stairs, “you’re as clumsy as your mother was!”
As the girl reached the vestibule, a blast of cold, dust laden wind swept through the door. Drawing back, she dropped the bag to cover her eyes; and from the platform she could hear the man’s harsh voice: “For heaven’s sake, girl; get a move on!”
At the foot of the stairs the porter shifted his gaze from the annoyed man to the frightened child and, with three quick steps, was at her side. “Here, young lady, let me take that.”
Grasping the suitcase, he whispered, “Those are pretty big steps. Better take my hand.”
There were no words, but what he saw in the child’s eyes would obscure far more eloquent thanks for years to come. As he eased her down to the rough planks, he said quietly. “Mind your step, little one, the cracks are nearly as big as those dainty feet of yours. I’ll just give your bag to…”
He glanced up in time to see the man disappear into the station. “Well, my goodness⎯ here, let me carry that.”
She shook her head. “Papa would be mad.”
Grasping the handle with both hands, she started to leave⎯ then, freezing mid stride, turned and executed a childish curtsy. “Thank you, very much, sir!”
The words had come as those oft repeated instructions of a mindful parent, but the adoration in her eyes left him staring sadly after her.
The conductor touched his shoulder. “It ain’t something for us to be meddlin’ in, John, but I know how you feel.”
John shook his head. “Who is that man?”
“Her father.”
“Father!” He peered skeptically at his companion. “You’re joshin’ me.”
The answer was obvious in the other man’s eyes. “Dear, Lord,” muttered John. “How could a man treat any child that way, never mind his own?”
The conductor shrugged. “I was talkin’ with the station agent up in Algona, where they got on. Seems her mother died a few months ago, and he got himself some woman friend that don’t want the girl around, so he’s givin’ her to a family here in Garwood.”
There you have it. Girlfriend upset that you have a child? Get rid of the kid. Or maybe, the story should be written a little differently if this was a real-life ‘How-to’ issue. Which would you vote for?
- Discard the daughter
- Dump the dame
Want to continue reading this tale and find out what happens to Rowena? A free download is just a quick click away and be sure to read about Rowena’s Challenge too!