Them's Fightin' Words

Sometimes people do what they think is right, even if it’s the wrong thing for them. Join a young couple in a simpler time in Georgia. When two lives were torn apart and young love got put on hold for an act of kindness and generosity. Throw in two antiquated ‘silly’ laws still on the books, and you have quite a mix.

Them’s Fightin’ Words - A Short Story ~
“Everyone always trips all over themselves to do exactly what you want, don’t they Mrs. Major? Permits you to play a hermit out here.”
Felicity swung around, soapy dish water dripping from her hands. Seeing Jake, she grabbed the counter for support, pale as if she’d seen a ghost.
She grabbed a towel from the counter to dry her hands. “How dare you come into my house like some…some…thief?”
“Used to be my house, too. I grew up here, remember?” Jake countered.
“I should call Sheriff—”
“Go ahead. Be sure to tell him you’re reporting me for delivering your supplies.”
“My groceries? What—”
Jake lifted the boxes as if to draw her notice to them, then dropped them down on the tabletop. “Carl was busy. I offered to save him the trip.”
“I…oh…well…” Felicity couldn’t seem to find the words. “You needn’t have put yourself out. I could’ve waited for Carl to deliver them. I—”
“I know. You don’t need my help. You’ve made that abundantly clear this past year.” Jake grabbed the dish towel out of her hands and threw it toward the sink. “You don’t need anyone’s help. You’d rather stay out here and shrivel up and die—like Jethro.”
“How dare you talk to me like that? Jethro was my—”
“Husband. I know. A saint of a man, perfect in every way. You’ve told me often enough since I came back.”
“He…”
Jake raked his eyes over her. “Never mind. I’ve delivered your stuff. Now I’m leaving. You can go back to hiding from the world.”
Taking long, angry strides, he stormed outside to his truck.