by Lucy Knobloch

Created on: June 15, 2007

Becca's Choice

The cactus and the flat dry land passed quickly as Becca drove along Interstate 10, the air conditioner turned on high to stop the scorching desert sun from heating the car's interior. Becca replayed in her mind the last argument with her husband, Thomas.

"I don't expect you to understand!" Becca shouted. "I don't even understand myself! I just . . ."

"Rebecca you can't do this. You have responsibilities. What do we tell Tessa? How are you going to explain to our daughter that you are leaving her? Do you realize how something like this can affect an eight year old?"

"It might not be forever . . ." Becca's voice had dropped to a whisper. "I need time."

"Time for what?" Thomas replied angrily. "What are we supposed to do while we're waiting and wondering? You can't expect us to put our lives on hold while you decide whether or not we're worth coming home to!"

As Thomas left the room, Becca realized he was right. They shouldn't have to wait.

Six months had passed since that night. So much had happened, how would she even begin to explain? What would Thomas say? How would he react when she told him of her journey and her choice? The long stretch of highway extended for miles. She had time to think about the night the answer came to her.

Thunder rumbled in the distance another flash of lightning filled the darkness with a moment of brilliant light. As had been the case many other nights, the electricity was off in the small casita Becca had been renting from Maria Luisa's brother, Jose. The entire Mexican village just south of Nogales was without electricity a good part of this stormy season. Although for most of the villagers electricity was a luxury, and was received with excitement. Becca had been welcomed into the small community just six months earlier.

Becca fumbled for candles, the brilliant lightning helping her in the search. Although she was not frightened by the storm, Becca trembled as she lit a candle. It was a memory of another storm that caused Becca to shake.

Tessa had been just five years old when a huge storm traveled through their suburb. Tessa had been terribly frightened by the thunder and lightening. Just when it seemed that there wasn't anything Becca could say to calm Tessa down, she picked Tessa up in her arms. As she hugged her close, she whispered in her ear, "I would never let anyone or anything harm you."

Becca shut her eyes as they filled with tears. The rest of the memory hurt. She tried to forget, but it wouldn't remain

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