A rough path was putting it mildly. Theirs was a journey marked by steep cliffs and and jagged rocks. The fact that they were still standing was a testament only to his sensibilities. Without Ben's constant logical reasoning Melody would be lost somewhere in Timbuktu. His reasoning, though, didn't lend itself to caring for her. After all, a man who cared for his wife didn't actively avoid her at every turn. A man who thought of his wife's well being didn't leave her to her own devices for over a month.

Then again, Ben never wanted her to be his wife.

"Okay." She replied meekly. They had fought enough times over similar enough topics for her to know better than push the subject. "Will you stay, then? Just for a bit?"