AfriKDP
THE LIFE SHE TOOK FOR GRANTED
About This Book
To those around them, their marriage appears settled. Mary maintains the image of a devoted wife, but behind closed doors, her priorities increasingly drift away from the responsibilities and shared decisions of family life. She spends much of her time attending weekday church gatherings and relies on hired help to manage household duties. David is a Christian who attends church every Sunday; his concern is not Mary's faith, but the growing imbalance between her religious activities, family responsibilities and the household's finances. He wants their home and marriage to remain a partnership built on consideration, honesty and mutual responsibility.
For a time, David keeps his concerns largely to himself. He struggles to address what he suspects is happening without turning suspicion into accusation, while Mary does little to recognise the strain building within their relationship. Their differences become more serious as David approaches retirement. The future that once seemed predictable now demands difficult conversations about money, priorities and how they will live together when his working life comes to an end.
David hopes that retirement will bring a chance to reassess their routines and strengthen their partnership. Mary, however, is reluctant to change the habits and social commitments she has grown used to. Their inability to understand one another deepens the distance between them. What might have been resolved through honesty, compromise and shared responsibility becomes a growing divide, until their marriage reaches breaking point and ends in divorce.
Left to face life without the security and comfort she once took for granted, Mary must confront the consequences of her choices. The familiar support she depended on is no longer there, and memories of the life she shared with David take on a different meaning. She begins to understand that a comfortable home is not sustained by money alone, and that love, patience and provision should never be mistaken for things that will last regardless of how they are treated.
The Life She Took for Granted is a moving story about marriage, sacrifice, faith, responsibility and the danger of overlooking the people who quietly make our lives easier. Through Mary's journey, the novel asks readers to consider how easily comfort can become an expectation—and how painful it can be to recognise the value of a life only after it has been lost.
A story of love, sacrifice, misplaced priorities and the cost of taking a good life for granted.
In 'The Life She Took for Granted', S.K. Wamweya delves into the life of Mary, who becomes increasingly detached from her husband David as she prioritizes her social commitments over their marriage. As David approaches retirement, their differences come to a head, leading to a painful divorce and a journey of self-discovery for Mary.
Who this book is for
- Readers interested in contemporary romance
- Anyone exploring themes of marriage and relationships
- Fans of literary fiction
- Those reflecting on personal choices and responsibilities
What you'll learn
- The importance of communication in marriage
- How neglecting responsibilities can lead to regret
- The value of partnership and shared decision-making
- Recognizing the sacrifices made by loved ones
- Understanding that comfort should not be taken for granted
Read a free sample 5 pages from the book
THELIFESHETOOKFORGRANTED BY S.K.WAMWEYA
2 COPYRIGHT THELIFESHETOOKFORGRANTED ByS.K.Wamweya Allrightsreserved. Thisbookisanoriginalworkoffiction.Thecharacters,names,places, events,andsituationsportrayedinthisnovelareeitherproductsofthe author'simaginationorusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordeceased,oractualeventsispurelycoincidental. Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,copied,storedina retrievalsystem,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans, whetherelectronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise, withoutpriorwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor,exceptforbrief quotationsusedinreviews,criticism,orotherusespermittedbycopyright law. Author:S.K.Wamweya Title:TheLifeSheTookforGranted Edition:FirstEdition YearofPublication:2026 Genre:AfricanFamilyDrama/ContemporaryFiction Publishedindependentlybytheauthor. ©2026S.K.Wamweya.Allrightsreserved.
3 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................___ CHAPTERONE5 THECOMFORTOFHOME CHAPTERTWO11 BEHINDCLOSEDDOORS CHAPTERTHREE16 WHENCOMFORTBECOMESABURDEN CHAPTERFOUR28 THECOSTOFSILENCE CHAPTERFIVE59 THEWEIGHTOFUNSPOKENWORDS CHAPTERSIX71 THEPRICEOFUNFINISHEDCOMMITMENTS CHAPTERSEVEN81 THEWEIGHTOFREGRET CHAPTEREIGHT91 ASECONDCHANCE
4 INTRODUCTION Therearemomentsinlifewhenpeoplebecomesoaccustomedtocomfortthatthey forgetthesacrificesthatmadeitpossible.Apeacefulhome,financialstability,a lovingfamilyandtheassuranceoftomorrowareblessingsmanydesire.Yet,when thesebecomepartofeverydaylife,theycaneasilybemistakenforthingsthatwill alwaysbethere,regardlessofhowtheyaretreated. ThisisthestoryofDavidandMary. Davidwasahardworkingmanwhohadspentmuchofhisadultlifebuildinga comfortablehomeforhisfamily.Throughdetermination,disciplineandsacrifice,he hadsecuredarespectablecareerandprovidedhiswifeandchildrenwithalifemany wouldenvy.Asretirementapproached,hebecameincreasinglyconcernedabouttheir future,determinedtoprotectthesecuritytheyhadworkedsohardtoachieve. Davidtriedtoexpresshisconcernsaboutfinances,retirement,parentingandtheir futuretogether,buthisintentionswerenotalwaysunderstood.Beneaththe appearanceofacomfortablefamilylife,unresolveddisagreementsgradually developedintodeeperconflictsaboutpriorities,appreciationandthetruemeaning ofpartnership. Neitherseemedtorealisehowmuchtheirdifferenceswereweakeningthefoundation oftheirmarriage.Andwhenthecomfortthathadoncedefinedtheirliveswas threatened,thetruestrengthoftheirrelationshipwouldbetested. TheLifeSheTookforGrantedisastoryaboutappreciation,communicationandthe dangerofassumingthatlove,securityandsacrificewillalwaysremainunchanged.It remindsusthateveryrelationshiprequireseffort,honesty,understandingand responsibilityfrombothpartners. Sometimes,peopleonlyrecognisethevalueofwhattheyhavewhenlifenolonger offersthemthesamecomfort. Forwhatwetakeforgrantedtodaymaybecomewhatwedesperatelywishwehad tomorrow. WelcometothestoryofDavidandMary..
5 CHAPTERONE THECOMFORTOFHOME Thehousewassilent. Marysataloneinthelivingroom,staringatthefamiliarwallsthathadonce witnessedthehappiestyearsofhermarriage.Thecurtainsstillhungbesidethe windows.Thefurnitureremainedarrangedasshehadalwayspreferredit,andthe diningtablestoodwhereithadstoodforyears. Everythingseemedfamiliar,yetnothingfeltthesame. Davidwasnolongerthere. Foryears,shehadlivedinthecomfortheworkedsohardtoprovide.Shehadgrown accustomedtothesecurityofknowingthatthebillswouldbepaid,thecupboards wouldnotremainempty,andtheirthreedaughterswouldhavewhattheyneeded.She hadrarelyimaginedafutureinwhichthelifesheknewcouldchangesodramatically. Shehadbelievedthatthingswouldalwaysworkout. Now,thecertaintyshehadoncetakenforgrantedhadbecomeamemory. Howhadeverythingchangedsomuch? Maryloweredhereyes,lostinthoughtsshecouldneithersilencenoreasilyescape. Therehadbeenwarnings,disagreements,andmomentswhenDavidhadtriedtomake herunderstandwhathefearedabouttheirfuture.Therehadalsobeentimeswhen shehaddismissedhisconcerns,convincedthatthecomforttheyenjoyedwassecure enoughtowithstandwhateverchallengescametheirway. Lookingback,shewouldhavetoconfrontthemeaningofthosemoments. Butthiswasnothowtheirstoryhadbegun. Therehadbeenatimewhentheirhomeechoedwithlaughter,whentheirdaughters gatheredaroundthebreakfasttable,andwhenDavidleftforworkeachmorning believingthathissacrificeswerebuildingabetterfutureforthepeopleheloved. TherehadbeenatimewhenMarywatchedhimleave,confidentthatthelifethey sharedwouldcontinuemuchasitalwayshad. Neitherhadimaginedhowdifferentlytheyunderstoodtheresponsibilitiesthatcame withtheircomfortablelife. Tounderstandhoweverythingchanged,wemustreturntoamorningwhenthere seemedtobelittlereasontoworryabouttomorrow. Themorningsunwasonlybeginningtospreaditsgoldenlightacrossthe neighbourhoodwhenthehouseholdofDavidandMarycamealive. Itwashalfpastsix.Fromthekitchencamethefamiliarclatterofplatesandcups, whileschoolbagsstoodbesidethedoorway,readyfortheday'sjourney.Thedining tablehadbeenpreparedforbreakfast,andthearomaoffreshlybrewedteafilled
6 theroom. Davidsatattheheadofthetable,occasionallyglancingathiswristwatchashisthree daughtersfinishedtheirbreakfast.Hismindwasalreadyturningtowardstheday's responsibilitiesatwork,butforthemoment,hewasenjoyingthecompanyofhis family. Beatrice,theeldest,atequietly,occasionallylookingupashersisterschatted.Joyce, thesecond-born,seemedmoreinterestedintheconversationthaninthefoodbefore her.Maureen,theyoungest,hadbarelytouchedthelastportionofherbreakfast.Her attentionwasfixedonsomethingsheconsideredfarmoreimportant. “Dad,”shebegan,lookingathimwithanexpectantsmile,“willyoubringmesomething whenyoucomebackfromwork?” Davidloweredhiswristandturnedtowardsher. “Something?Whatkindofsomething?” Maureensmiledmischievously.“Youknow,Dad.Somethingnice.” Hersistersburstintolaughter. Davidpretendedtoconsidertherequestseriouslybeforeshakinghishead. “Youpeoplethinkyourfathergoestoworkjusttocollectmoneyforshopping!” “Butyoualwaysbringusthings,”Joyceprotested. “Andnowyouhavemadeitarule?”Davidasked,raisinghiseyebrows. “Ofcourse!”Maureenansweredconfidently. Thegirlslaughedagain,andevenBeatrice,whohadbeenconcentratingonher breakfast,joinedin. Davidshookhisheadwithasmile. “Oneday,Iwillcomehomewithnothing,andweshallseewhathappens.” “Dad,youcannotdothat!”Maureenexclaimed. “Whynot?” “Becauseweshallbewaitingforyou!” Theirlaughterfilledthediningroom. Davidlookedathisdaughterswithaffection.Momentsliketheseremindedhimwhy heworkedashardashedid.Hisjobdemandedmuchofhistimeandenergy,but knowingthathisfamilywascomfortablemadethesacrificesworthwhile. Hedidnotneedgrandcelebrationsorexpensivegiftstofeelappreciated.Sometimes, thehappinessofhischildrenwasenough. Marymovedbetweenthekitchenandthediningarea,attendingtothemorning routine.Sheoccasionallyjoinedtheconversation,smilingatherdaughters'remarks andexchanginglight-heartedcommentswithherhusband. Toanyonelookinginfromtheoutside,theirswasapictureofanordinary,contented
7 family.Theyhadacomfortablehome,threehealthydaughters,andthesecuritythat camefromhavingtheiressentialneedsmet. Itwasalifemanypeopleworkedhardtoachieve. David,however,understoodthatsuchcomfortdidnotcomebychance. Yearsofhardwork,carefulplanning,andpersonalsacrificehadbroughtthefamily towheretheywere.Hehadtakenhisresponsibilitiesasahusbandandfather seriously,doingwhathecouldtoensurethathiswifeandchildrenlackednothing essential. Hewasnotawealthyman,nordidhepretendtobeone.Buthewasproudofwhathe hadaccomplished. Hisdaughtersattendedschool,theirfeesweretakencareof,foodwasavailablein thehouse,andthefamilycouldaffordconveniencesthatmadeeverydaylifeeasier. Wheneverhisfinancesallowed,healsotriedtogivethemsmallpleasures. ToDavid,theseweremorethansignsofacomfortablelife.Theywereevidencethat hisyearsofefforthadmeaning. Hewantedhisdaughterstogrowupwithopportunitieshehadnotalwaysenjoyed himself.Healsoknewthatcircumstancescouldchange.Theabilityto provideforhisfamilytodaydidnotguaranteethesamefinancialfreedomtomorrow. Thatwaswhyhebelievedindiscipline,responsibility,andplanning. “Dad,arewestillgoingtoGrandma'sthisweekend?”Maureenasked,bringinghim backtotheconversation. Davidlookedather. “HaveIsaidwearen'tgoing?” “No,butIwantedtomakesure.” “Thenmakesureyoufinishgettingreadyforschoolfirst.Wecannotleaveyouhere whileeveryoneelsegoes.” Maureenquicklyreturnedtoherbreakfast,determinedtoprovethatshewasready fortheday'sactivities. Marywatchedherwithanamusedexpression. “Thosechildrenknowexactlyhowtogetwhattheywantfromyou,”sheremarked. Davidchuckled. “Atleastsomeoneinthishouseappreciatesme.” Marylaughed.“Youenjoybeingtheirfavourite.” “Whowouldn't?” Foramoment,everythingseemeduncomplicated.Therewerenodifficultquestionsto answer,noargumentstosettle,andnoimmediatereasontoworryaboutthefuture. Yet,beneaththefamiliarroutinesandcheerfulexchanges,DavidandMaryviewed
8 theircomfortablelifefromdifferentperspectives. Davidsawcomfortassomethingthathadtobeearned,maintained,andprotected. Heunderstoodtheeffortbehindeveryconvenienceandbelievedthataresponsible familyneededtopreparefortomorrow,evenwhentodayappearedsecure. Maryhadgrownaccustomedtotheconveniencestheirlifeaffordedher.Sheenjoyed theircomfortablehome,theassistanceavailablewithhouseholdduties,andthe freedomtospendtimeonactivitiesthatinterestedher.Overtheyears,these comfortshadbecomepartofhereverydayexpectations. Shedidnotalwaysstoptoconsidertheeffortandfinancialresourcesrequiredto sustainthem. Thisdifferencedidnotmeanthatthecouplewereconstantlyatodds.Theirmarriage haditsordinarymomentsofaffection,laughter,andcompanionship.Theyhadbuilt afamilytogether,andtheirdaughtersremainedasourceofsharedjoy. Nevertheless,theattitudestheyheldtowardsmoney,responsibility,andthefuture werenotalwaysaligned. Fornow,thosedifferencesremainedlargelyunspoken.Theirfamiliarroutines continued,andneitherappearedreadytoquestionanarrangementthathadserved themforyears. “Girls,let'sgo,”Davidannounced,risingfromhischairandpickinguphisworkbag. “Wearegettinglate.” Beatricecollectedherschoolbagandcheckedthatshehadeverythingsheneeded. Joycefollowed,brieflylookingaroundthetablebeforeheadingtowardsthedoor. Maureenhurriedafterthem,eagernottobeleftbehind. Maryaccompaniedthegirlstotheentrance. “Haveagooddayatschool,”shetoldthem. “Bye,Mum!”theychorused. Davidturnedtowardshiswife. “I'llseeyoulater.” “Haveagooddayatwork,”Maryreplied. Hegaveherabriefsmilebeforefollowingthegirlsoutside. Momentslater,thefamilyvehiclepulledaway,anditssoundgraduallyfadedalong theroad. Maryremainedatthedoorwayforalittlewhile,watchinguntilthevehicle disappearedfromsight.Shethenclosedthedoorandreturnedtothehouse. Thesuddenquietnessmadetheroomsseemdifferent. Thebreakfastdishesremainedonthetable.Thecushionsonthesofawereneatly arranged,andthetelevisionstoodsilentlyinthelivingroom. Maryglancedaroundbeforepickinguptheremotecontrol.
9 Withinmoments,thequiethousewasfilledwiththesoundofatelevisionprogramme. Shesettledcomfortablyontothesofa,directingherattentiontothescreen. Forher,theworkingdayhadbegundifferentlyfromDavid's.Whilehehadlefthome carryingtheweightofprofessionalobligationsandfinancialresponsibilities,shenow hadthefreedomtoorganiseherhoursaccordingtoherinterests. Itwasaroutineshehadgrownfamiliarwith. Thecomfortofthehousemadeiteasytoforgettheworkthatwentonbeyonditswalls tokeepthefamilyprovidedfor.David'ssalarymettheirneeds,andthe arrangementstheyhadestablishedovertheyearsalloweddailylifetocontinue withoutmuchdisruption. Therewaslittleinthatquietmorningtosuggestthatthearrangementwouldeverbe seriouslychallenged. YetDavidhadbegunthinkingmorecarefullyaboutthefuture.Heknewthattheyears ofemploymentonwhichtheirlifestyledependedwouldnotlastforever.Oneday,his regularsalarywouldcometoanend,andthefamilywouldhavetoadjusttoa differentfinancialreality. Hewantedtobepreparedwhenthatdayarrived. Forhim,planningaheadwasnotasignofpessimism.Itwaspartofhisresponsibility asahusbandandfather.Hebelievedthatafamily'ssecuritydependednotonlyon whatitearnedbutalsoonhowwiselyitmanagedwhatithad. Mary,ontheotherhand,hadlittlereasonatthatmomenttoimaginethattheir circumstancesmightrequireasignificantchange.Thehouseholdhadcontinuedto functionmuchasitalwayshad,andtheconveniencessheenjoyedhadbecomean ordinarypartofherlife. Thepossibilitythattheirfinancialfreedommightonedaynarrowwasnotsomething sheconsideredwiththesameurgencyasDavid. Neitherhadyetfullyappreciatedhowimportantthisdifferencewouldbecome. Outside,theneighbourhoodcontinuedtostirintolife.Childrenmadetheirwayto school,workershurriedtowardstheirplacesofemployment,andsmallbusinesses beganopeningfortheday. Insidethehouse,Marywatchedherprogramme,occasionallysmilingatsomethingon thescreen. Itwasanordinarymorninginanordinaryhome. Davidwasworkingtowardsafuturehehopedwouldremainsecureforhisfamily. Marywasenjoyingacomfortablepresent,confidentinthelifetheyhadbuilt together. Neithercouldhaveknownthattheverydifferencestheybarelyacknowledgedwould onedaytestthestrengthoftheirmarriage. Fornow,thehouseremainedpeaceful.Theirdaughterswereatschool,Davidwasat
10 work,andMaryhadsettledintoherfamiliarroutine. Thelifetheysharedstillappearedsecure. Butbeneaththatcomfortlayanimportantquestion,oneneitherhadyettaken seriouslyenough:whathappenswhentwopeoplesharethesamehomebutnolonger seetheirresponsibilitiesinthesameway? Theanswerwouldemergegradually,throughdecisions,disagreements,andchanges neithercouldentirelycontrol. Andwhenthosechangesfinallycame,thelifetheyhadonceknownwouldneverbe quitethesame.
11 CHAPTERTWO BEHINDCLOSEDDOORS Thecarmovedslowlythroughthegate,carryingDavidandthegirlstowardsanother busyday.Marystoodnearthedoorwayandwatcheduntilitdisappearedfromsight. Shethenturnedbackintothehouse,wherethefamiliarsoundofthetelevisionfilled thesittingroom. Themorninghadbarelybegun,yetMaryhadalreadysettledintotheroutineshe preferred.Shepickeduptheremotecontrol,adjustedthevolumeandreturnedher attentiontotheprogrammeonthescreen. Ashortwhilelater,Eunicearrivedandwentstraighttothekitchentobeginherduties. Shehadbecomeanimportantpartofthehouseholdroutine,takingcareofmuchof theworkthatMarywouldotherwisehavehadtomanageherself. “Goodmorning,madam,”Eunicegreetedasshepassedthesittingroom. “Goodmorning,Eunice,”Maryrepliedwithouttakinghereyesoffthetelevision. Eunicecontinuedwithherwork.Sheknewthehouseholdroutinewellandrarely neededdetailedinstructions.Marywascomfortableleavingthedomestictasksinher hands,confidentthatthehousewouldremainorderlywhilesheattendedtoherown interests. Aftersometime,Marycheckedtheclockandrosefromthesofa.Shehadplansto attendaweekdaywomen’sfellowshipgathering.Beforeleaving,shewenttothe kitchentospeaktoEunice. “Imaybeawayforawhile,”shesaid.“Pleasemakesuretheshoppingisdoneand lunchisprepared.” “Allright,madam,”Eunicereplied. Marygaveafewmoreinstructions,collectedherhandbagandleftthehouse. Toanyonewhosawheratchurch,Maryappearedtobeadevotedwomanwhovalued fellowshipandspiritualgrowth.Sheenjoyedthecompanyofotherworshippers,the conversationsthattookplacebeforeandafterthemeetings,andthefeelingof belongingthatcamewithbeingpartofthegroup. Athome,however,herfrequentweekdayoutingswerebecomingasourceoftension. Davidhadbeguntoquestionhowoftensheattendedgatheringsandwhetherthe householdallowancewasbeingusedascarefullyasitshouldbe. Maryknewhedisapprovedofthefrequencyofherweekdayactivities.Ratherthan discussthematteropenly,shetriedtokeephermovementsfrombecomingasubject ofargument.SheplannedheroutingsaroundthehoursDavidwasexpectedtobe awayandmadesureshereturnedbeforehecamehomewheneverpossible. Thesecrecyallowedhertocontinueherroutine,butitalsomadehonest communicationbetweenthemincreasinglydifficult.
12 AMATTEROFFAITHANDRESPONSIBILITY Davidhadneverbeenagainstchurchorreligion.HeattendedchurcheverySunday andregardedhisfaithasanimportantpartofhislife.Whattroubledhimwasthe growingimpressionthatMary’sfrequentweekdaygatheringsweretakingprecedence overotherresponsibilitieswithinthefamily. Hehadtriedtoexplainthedistinctiontoher,buttheirconversationsrarelyended withaclearunderstanding. Oneevening,whenthehousewasquiet,Daviddecidedtoraisethematteragain. “Mary,Iwouldlikeustotalkaboutsomethingthathasbeentroublingme.” Shelookedathimcautiously.“Whatisitthistime?” “Itconcernsyourweekdaychurchgatheringsandthewaywearemanagingour responsibilitiesathome.” Mary’sexpressiontightened.“Ihavetoldyouthatchurchisimportanttome.” “Iknowitis,”Davidreplied.“AndIhaveneveraskedyoutoabandonyourfaith.Iam askingthatwefindabalancebetweenourreligiouscommitmentsandourdutiesto ourfamily.” Maryshookherhead.“SometimesIfeelthatyoudonotunderstandhowimportant fellowshipistome.” Davidlookedather,hopingshewouldfinallyunderstandthepointhehadbeentrying tomake. “IamaChristian,andyouknowIalwaysattendchurcheverySunday.WhatI’m againstisyourfrequentchurchgatheringsandlackofpriorityinyourdutiesasawife andaparent.” Hepaused,givingheramomenttoconsiderhiswords. “Ihaveneveraskedyoutoabandonyourfaith.Iwantustobalanceourreligious commitmentswithourdutiestoourfamily.Ourchildrenneedourattention,our householdneedstobemanagedresponsibly,andwemustalsoprepareforthefuture.” Maryfoldedherarms.“Thechildrenaregoingtoschool,andthehouseisinorder. WhatexactlyareyousayingIamneglecting?” Davidtookabreathbeforeanswering.“Iamsayingthatkeepingthehouselooking fineisnottheonlyresponsibilitywehave.Wemustalsocommunicatehonestly, manageourmoneycarefullyandmakedecisionstogether.” HehadrecentlyreflectedonthebiblicalinstructionconcerningtheSabbathandthe rhythmofworkandrest.HeturnedtoExodus20:8–11intheKingJamesVersionand readthepassagealoud: “8Rememberthesabbathday,tokeepitholy.9Sixdaysshaltthoulabour,anddoall thywork:10ButtheseventhdayisthesabbathoftheLORDthyGod:initthoushalt notdoanywork,thou,northyson,northydaughter,thymanservant,northy maidservant,northycattle,northystrangerthatiswithinthygates:11Forinsix
13 daystheLORDmadeheavenandearth,thesea,andallthatinthemis,andrested theseventhday:whereforetheLORDblessedthesabbathday,andhallowedit.” DavidclosedtheBible. “Iamnotusingthispassagetotellyoutostopworshipping,”hecontinued.“Iam askingustorememberthatourfaithshouldguideustowardsresponsibleliving. Worshipmatters,butsodoourobligationstoourchildrenandtooneanother.” Marylookedaway.Shedidnotagreewithhisinterpretationofthesituation,andshe feltthathewasmakingtoomuchofamattersheconsideredpersonal. “Ihearwhatyouaresaying,”shereplied,“butIdonotthinkattendingthese gatheringsiswrong.” “Ihavenotsaidthateverygatheringiswrong,”Davidanswered.“Iamaskingyouto considerthefrequencyandtheeffectithasonourfamilylife.” Theconversationendedwithoutarealresolution.Maryremainedconvincedthat Daviddidnotfullyappreciateherinterests,whileDavidfeltthatshehadonceagain avoidedtheconcernhewastryingtoraise. Hedidnotknowhowtomakeherunderstandthattheissuewasnotsimplywhereshe went.Itwasthegrowingdistancebetweenthemandthelackofopennessthatwas beginningtounderminehistrust. THEBURDENOFPROVIDING Thefollowingday,Davidwenttoworkcarryingthesameconcerns.Heattendedtohis duties,answeredcallsanddealtwiththemattersthatrequiredhisattention.Yet, wheneverhehadaquietmoment,histhoughtsreturnedtohisfamily. HehadworkedhardtoprovideacomfortablehomeforMaryandtheirdaughters.He tookprideinmeetingtheirneeds,payingthebillsandensuringthatthegirlshad opportunitiestobuildabetterfuture. Butprovidingforafamily,hebelieved,involvedmorethanearningmoneyand payingexpenses.Italsorequiredplanning,disciplineandthewillingnesstoprepare forchangesthatwouldinevitablycome. Retirementwasdrawingcloser.Hissalaryhadsustainedtheirlifestyleforyears,but heknewthatthefamilycouldnotassumethesamelevelofincomewouldcontinue indefinitely. Hewantedtobeginreviewingtheirexpenditure,identifyingunnecessarycostsand settingasideenoughsavingstohelpthemadjustwhenhisworkinglifecametoanend. Whatconcernedhimwasthateveryattempttodiscussthesubjectseemedtobecome anotherdisagreement. Duringabreakatwork,hiscolleaguePeterstoppedbyhisoffice. “Youseemdistractedtoday,David,”Peterremarked.“Iseverythingallright?” Davidlookedupfromhisdesk.“Iamallright.Justthinkingaboutafewfamily matters.”
14 Peterpulledachaircloser.“Familymatterscanbedifficulttoputaside,evenwhen youareatwork.” “Thatistrue,”Davidadmitted. “Sometimesithelpstotalkthingsthroughwithsomeoneyoutrust.” Davidconsideredthesuggestion,buthewasreluctanttosharedetailsofhismarriage. HedidnotwanttospeakaboutMaryinawaythatmightdamagetherespecthestill hadforher. “Ithinkweshallworkthingsout,”hesaidatlast. Peternodded.“Ihopeso.Theimportantthingisnottoletworriesbuildupuntilthey becomehardertomanage.” AfterPeterleft,Davidreturnedtohiswork.HestillhopedthatheandMarycould findawaytodiscusstheirconcernscalmlyandmakedecisionstogether. Hewasnotaskingforperfection.Hewantedpartnership:awifewhowouldlistento hisconcerns,sharetheresponsibilityofplanningandhelpprotectthefuturethey hadworkedsohardtobuild. AGROWINGDISTANCE Athome,Marycontinuedwithherusualroutine.Eunicehandledmuchofthe housework,whileMaryspenttimewatchingtelevisionandmakingplansforhernext gathering.Fromtheoutside,thehouseholdappearedcomfortableandwellorganised. David,meanwhile,wasbecomingincreasinglytroubledbytheunexplainedaspectsof theirspending.Hesometimeswonderedwhetherpartofthehouseholdallowancewas beingusedforoutingsoractivitiesheknewlittleabout.Hehadnoproof,however,and hedidnotwanttoaccusehiswifewithoutevidence. Attimes,hequestionedhisownsuspicions.Perhapshewasworryingtoomuch.Perhaps therewasanexplanationhehadnotconsidered.Heremindedhimselfthatsuspicion alonewasnotproof,andhetriedtogiveMarythebenefitofthedoubt. Still,thequestionsremained. MaryunderstoodthatDavidwasuneasyaboutherweekdaygatherings.Shebecame morecarefulaboutthetimessheleftandreturned,oftenmakingsureshewashome beforehearrived.Whennecessary,shechangedherclothesandresumedherusual activitiesasthoughshehadspentthedayathome. Shetoldherselfthatshewasavoidingunnecessaryarguments.Inreality,shewas postponingaconversationthatneededtohappen. Themoresheconcealed,themoredifficultitbecameforDavidtofeelconfidentthat theywerebeinghonestwitheachother.Andthemoreheworried,themorecarefully sheguardedherroutine. Theirdisagreementswerenolongerlimitedtohouseholdexpenditureorchurch
15 attendance.Theywerebeginningtoaffectthetrustonwhichtheirmarriage depended. Neitherofthemwantedtobelievethattheircomfortablelifewasbecomingfragile. Davidcontinuedhopingthatpatienceandreasonwouldbringthemclosertoashared understanding.Marycontinuedbelievingthatshecouldpreserveherroutinewithout makingsignificantchanges. Butbeneaththedoorsoftheircomfortablehome,thedistancebetweenhusbandand wifecontinuedtowiden.Neitherknewhowtobridgeit,andneitherfullyunderstood howmuchtheirunresolveddifferenceswouldeventuallycostthem.
16 CHAPTERTHREE WHENCOMFORTBECOMESABURDEN TheeveningsunwassinkingbeyondtherooftopswhenDavid’scarturnedintothe compound.Hehadspentthedayattendingtohisprofessionalduties,yethismind hadrepeatedlyreturnedtotheworrieswaitingforhimathome. Heparked,collectedhisbriefcaseandwalkedtowardsthehouse. Thetelevisionwasplayinginthesittingroom.Marysatcomfortablyonthesofa, absorbedinaprogramme,whileEunicepreparedsupperinthekitchen. “Goodevening,”Davidgreeted. “Goodevening,”Maryreplied,brieflylookinginhisdirectionbeforereturningher attentiontothescreen. Davidplacedhisbriefcaseonanearbychairandloosenedhistie. “Howwasyourday?” “Itwasfine.” “Andthegirls?Havetheyreturnedfromschool?” “Yes.Theyareintheirrooms.” Henoddedandwenttoseehisdaughters.Hegreetedthem,askedabouttheirschool dayandlistenedastheyrecountedafewoftheirexperiences.Theirordinary conversationsofferedhimabriefescapefromtheconcernsweighingonhismind. WhateverdifficultiesexistedbetweenhimandMary,hewantedhisdaughterstofeel secureandloved.Hedidnotwantthegrowingtensioninhismarriagetorobthemof thewarmthoftheirfamilyhome. Afterspendingsometimewiththem,hereturnedtothesittingroom. Marywasstillwatchingtelevision. “Issupperalmostready?”heasked. “Yes.Euniceispreparingit.” Davidglancedtowardsthekitchenandnodded. Hesatdown,pickeduphisphoneandcheckedafewwork-relatedmessages.Yethis attentionkeptdriftingtowardsaproblemhecouldnolongerignore. Hisworkingyearsweremovingtowardstheireventualend.Foryears,hissalaryhad enabledthefamilytoenjoyacomfortablelifestyle,butheknewthatthesameincome wouldnotbeavailableforever. Retirementwasapproaching,andhewantedtoprepareforitwhilehestillhadthe opportunity. Whatworriedhimmostwasnotsimplythepossibilityofreducedincome.Itwasthe thoughtthatheandMarymightreachthatstagewithouthavingagreedonhowto
17 managetheirfinances. Wheneverhetriedtodiscussthefuture,theirconversationsseemedtoreturntothe samedisagreements:money,householdresponsibilitiesandherfrequentweekday churchgatherings. HewonderedwhetherMaryunderstoodwhathewastryingtoprevent. Wouldtheybereadytoadjusttheirspendingwhenhisregularsalarystopped?Would theyhaveenoughsavingstomeettheirneeds?Andwouldhiswiferecognisethatthe habitstheyhaddevelopedduringhisworkingyearsmighthavetochange? Thesequestionsfollowedhimevenashetriedtosettleintothefamiliarroutineof home. THEHOUSEHOLDALLOWANCE Aftersupper,DavidandMaryreturnedtothesittingroom.Theirdaughtershad settledintotheireveningroutines,whileEuniceclearedthediningtableandfinished theremainingkitchenduties. DavidwaiteduntilMaryhadsettledonthesofabeforespeaking. “Mary,thereissomethingIwouldlikeustodiscuss.” ThewordsunsettledMary.ShehadheardthatseriousnessinDavid’svoicebefore, yearsearlier,whenafinancialsecretshehadhopedtokeephiddenhadbroughttheir marriagetotheedgeofacrisis.Beforeshecouldstopit,thememoryreturnedwith uncomfortableclarity. MARY’SFLASHBACK—SEVERALYEARSEARLIER IthadbeenaSaturdaymorning.MarywashavingbreakfastwithDavidandtheir daughterswhensomeoneknockedatthedoor. Beatricerosefromthetableandwenttoanswerit. “Welcome,MadamSophie.Comein!”shesaid. Sophie,asecretaryrepresentingoneoftheneighbourhoodself-helpgroupstowhich Marybelonged,enteredthehouseandjoinedthefamilyinthediningroom.Shewas servedtea,andMarygreetedherwithanervoussmile. “Welcome,Sophie,”Marysaid. SophieexchangedafewpleasantrieswithDavidbeforeexplainingwhyshehadcome. “David,howisworknowadays?Youseemtohavebecomeverybusyrecently.Unlike before,youhavebeencominghomelate,makingitdifficultforanyonetoseeyouon weekdays.” “Don’tmentionit,”Davidreplied.“Ithasbeengettinghardrecently,butwethank Godwestillhavethejob.”
18 Sophietookasipoftea,placedhercuponthetable,andturnedtothematterthat hadbroughtherthere. “ThereasonIvisitedyouthisearlyisthatIwassentbythewomenofaself-help groupinwhichyourwifeisamember.MaryborrowedKSh17,000fromthegroup,but shehasdefaultedonrepayment.Ihavetriedtorecoverthemoneyfortwomonths, butshehasnothonouredherpromises.Onbehalfofthegroup,wewerehopingyou couldhelpusrecoverthedebt.SinceMaryisyourwife,perhapsyoucouldcoveritfor her.Weunderstandthat—” “Sophie,allowmetosaysomething,”Davidinterrupted,hisexpressionbecoming serious. “Iappreciateyourdedicationtoyourgroupandthemembersyourepresent.Itisgood thatpeoplecancometogethertohelponeanotherintimesofneed.However,itis unfortunatethatmywifehasfailedtorepaythemoneysheborrowed.Isympathise withyou,andIamtrulysorrythatyouhavehadtocomehererepeatedlytorecover thedebt.ButIknownothingaboutyourdealingswithmywife,andIknewnothing aboutthisloan.Therefore,IcannotacceptresponsibilityforadebtIwasnever informedabout.Nevertheless,Iintendtoensurethatyoureceiveeverycentyouare owed.” Theatmosphereatthetablechanged.Davidaskedthechildrentogooutsideandplay. Oncetheyhadleft,heturnedbacktoMary. “Mary,iswhatSophiehastoldmetrue?Doyouacknowledgethisdebt?” Maryloweredherhead.Inasoft,frightenedvoice,sheadmittedthatsheowedthe money. Davidrosefromhisseat,hisangergrowing. “Whathasgottenintoyou?Howlongareyougoingtocontinuetreatingmywordsasif theymeannothing?Iwarnedyouagainstborrowingmoneywithoutmyconsent,yet youhavegoneaheadanddoneexactlywhatItoldyounottodo.Ihavetriedmybest toprotectyouandclearthemessyoukeepcreating.Wheneverthesepeoplecome lookingfortheirmoney,IpaybecauseIdonotwantmyfamily’sreputationruined. ButeverytimeIwarnyou,youtakeitforgrantedandborrowagain.Doyouexpectme tokeepdoingthisforever?DoyouthinkIshouldputmychildren’sfutureatrisk becauseofyourcarelessness?” Inamomentofanger,Davidslappedheracrossthecheek.Disappointmentandfury showedonhisface. “Getoutofmyhouse!Untilthisdebtispaid,donotthinkofcomingback.Sophie,go withherandtakewhatevermeasuresyouconsidernecessarytorecoverthemoney. Mary,gowithSophieandmakesurethisdebtispaid.Iamtiredofthisbehaviour.Get out,bothofyou!” Marybrokedownintears.Carryingonlyherphone,sheleftthehouse,followedby Sophie,whohadneverexpectedthevisittoendthisway.David’sangerfrightenedher, andsheregrettedhavingcometocollectthemoneyherself.
19 Ontheroad,MaryblamedSophiefortellingDavidaboutthedebt.Sophiedefended herself. “Howisthismyfault?Youborrowedthemoney,andyouhavefailedtorepayit.Ihave beentryingtorecoveritfortwomonths.Ifyouhadhonouredyourpromises,noneof thiswouldhavehappened.” Maryhadnoconvincinganswer.Shecalledseveralfriendsandaskedthemtolend hermoney.Afteranumberofcalls,shemanagedtoraiseenoughtocleartheKSh 17,000debt. Afewhourslater,MaryandSophiereturnedtoDavid’shome.Davidwasseatedonthe sofa,workingonhislaptop.SophieexplainedthatMaryhadpaidthedebtinfull. Davidlookedupandnodded.Hesaidnothing.Sophietookherleave,leavingMary alonewithherhusband. DavidclosedhislaptopandlookedatMary. “Listentomecarefully.Letthisbethelasttimeyouborrowmoneywithoutmy knowledge.Ihavewarnedyourepeatedly,andIdonotintendtokeeprepeating myself.Donotputmeinthispositionagain.” Maryhopedthematterhadfinallycometoanend.Butthefollowingmorning, Sunday,anothervisitorarrived.ThistimeitwasMs.Julia,whohadcomewitha complaintaboutmoneyMaryowedtoadifferentself-helpgroup. David’sdisappointmentturnedtoangeroncemore.Hesighedheavilyandrosefrom hisseat. “Justhowmuchmoneydoyouowe?Howmanygroupshaveyouborrowedfrom,and wheredoesallthatmoneygo?Ihavewarnedyouagainandagain,butyourefuseto listen!Getoutofmyhouse.Iamtiredofhearingaboutyourdebtseveryday.Youare makingmelooklikeapoormaninthisneighbourhood!” MaryandJulialeft.Overwhelmed,Marycalledhersisterandaskedhertosend moneyforbusfare.Shetravelledtohermother’shomeandexplainedwhathad happenedtoFlorenceandherbrother,Douglas. Thefollowingweekend,DavidtravelledtoMary’sparents’homewithhismother, Dorcas,andhisbrother,Duncan.Florencewelcomedthem.Marywastherewith Douglasandheruncle,Justin.Aftergreetingsandameal,thefamiliessattogetherto discussthematter. Dorcasspokefirst.“In-laws,wehavecomeheretotrytoresolvethedifferencesDavid andMaryarehaving.Idonotfullyunderstandwhathashappened,andIdonot wanttojudgeeitherofthembasedononlyonesideofthestory.Ithoughtitwouldbe betterforustolistentobothofthemsothatwecanunderstandtherealcauseof theirdisagreement.Thatway,wewillnotwrongeitherofthem.” Justinsmiledandagreed.“Thatisright.Unlesswelistentobothsides,wecannottruly help.WecannotshieldMarysimplybecausesheisourrelativeifsheistheoneinthe wrong.Davidisalsopartofthisfamily,anditisourresponsibilitytoguidethem fairly.”
20 HeturnedtowardsMary.“Telluswhyyouleftyourmatrimonialhome,yourhusband andyourchildren,andcamehere.Explaineverythingthatledtothis misunderstanding.” TearsbegantogatherinMary’seyes.“I...I...Iamtheonewhowrongedmyhusband,” shesobbed.“Iborrowedmoneyfromdifferentgroupsintheneighbourhood,andIwas unabletopaythem.” Florencelookedatherdaughterwithpity.“Hasthishappenedbefore?” Marydidnotanswer.Sheloweredherheadandcontinuedwipinghertearswitha handkerchief. JustinturnedtoDavid.“Pleaseexplaineverythingtousfromthefirsttimethis happened.Tellusaboutthemeasuresyouhavetaken,thewarningsyouhavegivenher, andwhatfinallyledyoutosendheraway.Donotleaveanythingout.Speakfreely. Wewanttounderstandwhathashappened.” Davidrecountedthehistory.HeexplainedthatMaryhadborrowedmoneyfrom differentself-helpgroupswithoutinforminghim.Whenevercreditorscameto demandrepayment,hehadoftensettledthedebtstoprotectthefamilyfrom embarrassment.Eachtime,hewarnedMarynottorepeatthebehaviour,hopingthat hispatienceandwillingnesstohelpwouldencouragehertochange. Instead,thepatternhadcontinued.Davidexplainedthathehadeventuallyreached apointwherehecouldnolongerbeartherepeateddemandsfromcreditors.Inhis mind,sendingMaryawaywasmeanttocreateanopportunityforbothfamiliesto confronttheproblemopenly.Hehopedthemeetingwouldhelpherunderstandthe seriousnessofheractionsandchange. Marydidnotdenyhisaccount.Sheacknowledgedthatshehadborrowedthemoney andthatDavidhadrepeatedlywarnedher. Douglasasked,“Mary,wheredoyoutakeallthismoneyafterborrowingit?Whydoyou keepborrowingbehindyourhusband’sbackwhenhehaswarnedyousomanytimes?” Maryopenedhermouth,butnoexplanationcame.Shecouldnotgivethefamilya clearaccountofwhatshehaddonewiththemoney. Eventually,Marybegantocryagain.“Ipromisetochangeandneverdothisagain.I knowIhaveleteveryonedown,andIhavedisappointedyouall.Iamsorry.Iamso sorry,David.Iwillnotdoanythingagainstyoueveragain,andIwillstopborrowing money.Pleaseforgivemeandgivemeanotherchancetoprovemyself.” Davidlookedather,stilltroubledbytheunansweredquestions.“Whyisitsodifficult foryoutoexplainwhyyouborrowedthemoneyandhowyouspentit?Doesitmean thatevenyoudonotunderstandyourownactions?” Hepausedbeforecontinuing.“Verywell.Infrontofeveryonehere,Iwantyouto writeadeclarationstatingthatyouwillneverborrowmoneyagainwithoutmy knowledge.Signityourself.Ifthishappensagain,youwillbeartheconsequences alone.” Maryagreedalmostimmediately.Hergreatestwishwastoreturnhomeandreunite
21 withherchildren.“Yes,yes,myhusband,”sheanswered. “Beforeyouwritethatdeclaration,listeverydebtyouoweandthenamesofthe peopleorgroupsyouowe.Iwillsettleallthosedebts,buttheywillbethelastonesI payforyou.” Marytookapieceofpaperandlistedtheoutstandingdebtsandthenamesofthe creditors.Theamountsaccumulateduntilshehadfinished.ThetotalwasKSh43,000. Everyonewasshocked.David,too,hadnotexpectedtheamounttobesohigh. Nevertheless,hecommittedhimselftosettlingtheoutstandingdebtsonefinaltime. Afterwritingthelist,Marypreparedthedeclaration.Shepromisedthatshewould neveragainborrowmoneywithoutDavid’sknowledgeandacknowledgedthatshe wouldberesponsiblefortheconsequencesifshebrokethatpromise.Shesignedthe paperandhandedittoherhusband. ThedeclarationrepresentedthelastchanceDavidwaswillingtogiveherovera problemthathadrepeatedlythreatenedtheirpeaceandfinancialstability.Mary wantedtobelievethematterwasfinallybehindher. MARY’SFLASHBACKENDS Thememorylooseneditsgrip,butthefearremained.Marywasbackinthesitting room,facingDavid,andshecouldnottellwhetherhisquestionswouldleadtoanother confrontation.Shetriedtocomposeherselfbeforeanswering. Sheturnedtowardshim. “Whatisit?” “Ourhouseholdexpenses.” Mary’sexpressionchanged. “Again,David?Wehavediscussedmoneyseveraltimes.” “Iknow,”hereplied.“Buttalkingaboutsomethingrepeatedlydoesnotmeanwehave resolvedit.” Shesighed. “Whatexactlydoyouwanttoknow?” Davidleanedforward. “Iwantustoreviewhowweusethehouseholdallowance.Iworkhardtoensurethat thefamilyhaswhatitneeds,butIsometimesfeelwearenotpayingenoughattention toourspending.” Marylookedathimwithgrowingimpatience. “AreyousayingIamwastingyourmoney?” “Iamsayingweneedtounderstandwhereourmoneygoes.Thereisadifference.”
22 Hepaused,choosinghiswordscarefully. “Wehavefoodtobuy,schoolexpensestomeet,billstopayandotherresponsibilities. Wealsoneedtosaveforthefuture.Weshouldconsiderthosethingsbeforespending moneyonotheractivities.” Maryfoldedherarms. “YouknowItakecareofthishousehold.” “Iknowyouoverseethingshere,andIappreciatetheworkEunicedoes.ButIam askingustolookbeyondtheappearanceofthehouse.Acomfortablehomedoesnot automaticallymeanourfinancesareingoodshape.” Maryshookherhead. “Idon’tunderstandwhyyouhavesuddenlybecomeconcernedabouteveryshilling.” “Thisisnotsudden,Mary.Ihavebeenthinkingaboutitforalongtime.Iamsimply becomingmoreawareofhowimportantitisforustoprepareforthefuture.” Hepaused. “Mysalarywillnotcontinueforever.Oneday,Iwillretire,andweshallhaveto dependonwhatwehaveplannedandsaved.Wecannotwaituntilthatdaytolearn howtolivewithinourmeans.” Marylookedaway. “David,youarestillworking.Whyworryaboutretirementnowwhenwecanmeetour needs?” “Becauseretirementispartoflife,Mary.Itisnotsomethingthatcomeswithout warning.Weknowitiscoming,andweshouldpreparewhilewestillhavethe opportunity.” Foramoment,neitherspoke. Davidhopedshewouldfinallyunderstandthathewasnotaskinghertolivein discomfortorabandoneverypleasure.Hewantedthemtodistinguishbetweenwhat thefamilyneededandwhattheymerelywanted. “Letussitdowntogether,”hecontinued.“Wecanwritedownourmonthlyexpenses andworkouthowmuchweneedforfood,thegirls’education,householdbills,savings andothernecessities.Onceweunderstandthosefigures,wecanplantherestofour spending.” Marygaveafaint,dismissivelaugh. “Youmakeitsoundasthoughwehavenothing.” “ThatisnotwhatIamsaying.” “Thenwhydoyoukeepbringingupmoney?” “Becausemoneypaysforthelifeweareliving.AndIwantthatlifetoremain sustainablewhenmycircumstanceschange.” Maryshiftedonthesofa.
23 “IwillseewhatIcando.” Davidrecognisedthefamiliarresponse.Itwasneitheranagreementnoranoutright refusal.Itallowedthediscussiontoendwithoutrequiringeitherofthemtomakea decision. Hehadheardsimilarwordsbefore. “Allright,”hesaid.“ButIhopewecanmaketimeforthisdiscussionsoon.” Maryreachedfortheremotecontrolandincreasedthetelevisionvolume. Theconversationwasover. Davidleanedback,disappointed.Hehadapproachedthematterhopingtheycould makeapracticalplantogether.Instead,hewasleftwiththefamiliarfeelingthathis concernshadbarelybeenheard. HelookedtowardsMary,butsheremainedfocusedontheprogramme. Forthemoment,thetelevisionseemedtohavemoreofherattentionthanthefuture hewastryingtoprotect. DIFFERENTUNDERSTANDINGSOFACOMFORTABLELIFE Thefollowingmorning,Davidwokeearlyandpreparedforwork.Thehousehold graduallycametolifeasthegirlsgotreadyforschoolandEunicebeganhermorning duties. Maryenteredthesittingroomafterdressingfortheday.Davidwascheckinghis walletandarrangingdocumentsinhisbriefcase. “Mary,”hecalled. “Yes?” “Ihaveleftthehouseholdmoneyonthetable.Pleasemakesuretheessential shoppingisdone.” “Allright,”shereplied,pickingitup. “Andrememberwhatwediscussedlastnight.Weneedtostartkeepingaproper recordofourexpenses.” Marylookedathim. “Ihaveheardyou,David.” Hestudiedherface,hopingtoseesomeindicationthatshehadtakenhisconcerns seriously.Herexpressionrevealedlittle.…
End of sample. The full book is 98 pages on Afri KDP.
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