Chapter 6: Moving Forward - Roy

It took six months of counseling before I moved back home. I was still quite concerned for our future, and unable to fully relax in her company.

The first time we were together at home felt peculiar, strange, and unfamiliar. My anger towards Janice’s betrayal would occasionally surface, making me want to scream at her, but then it would subside, and I would feel calmer and glad that I hadn’t reacted badly.

Janice said she burned the blue dress and accessories, so that I wouldn’t be reminded of her insanity, and I believed her. I didn’t think our marriage would ever fully recover, since my trust had been severely shaken. However, as the counselor said, “She didn’t lie to you. She told you what she was going to do, and did it. Then she confessed, without omitting anything, and admitted it was entirely her fault.”

It didn’t make me feel any better. The pain I felt that night often returned but, each time, Janice held me, and tried to comfort me.

I was going to try to make it. I didn’t want to waste over twenty years of marriage due to one, admittedly devastating, night. At the end of the day, she was the love of my life and, if we were to die tomorrow, I wouldn’t want any bad blood between us.

God wants us to forgive those who hurt us, and I’m doing my best to forgive Janice, however, I won’t ever forget. Some days it’s the first thing I think about when I wake up but, I love Janice and I know she loves me, and I’m trying my best.

Thank you for reading...

R. Lee Benton