“I don’t want you hunting alone.”
“You didn’t mind a few days ago.Maybe you should write down a list of rules that you need me to follow, so I’ll know what’s going to set off that ridiculous temper of yours!”Belle wasn’t in the mood to put up with any of his nonsense.As far as she was concerned, she’d go out and stay in a tent forever if he kept treating her this way.There was winter to worry about, though, so it was probably a bad idea.
“You need to stay home.Isn’t that what being a wife is all about?”he asked.
“This wife isn’t!I thought you wanted me to forage and hunt.Am I wrong?”
“Yes!There’s no need for you to do all that.We can eat bacon, rice, and beans all winter.That’s what I’ve always done.”
“That doesn’t even sound a little bit appetizing.”She turned and left the cabin, annoyed when he followed her.
“You can’t just walk out in the middle of a discussion!”he yelled.
“I’m skinning these rabbits.Am I allowed to use a knife?”
“Don’t be petty!”
“If I’m being petty, it’s because I learned how from you!” Belle couldn’t believe this was the same man who she had traveled into Yeti with.This man...he was a tyrant.The man she’d traveled with had been good and kind.No, this must be his identical twin or something.“I’m busy, Everett.Go find someone else to yell at.”
He stared at her for a moment, seething with anger.“Fine,” he finally said, and walked away.She didn’t watch him to see where, but she was glad he was gone.She needed a minute to be alone.
Belle skinned the rabbits, carefully saving the pelts, thinking she could use them for a coat for a child.If she ever let Everett touch her again to make a child that was.
She carried the rabbits inside and put them in a pot to boil.She’d process them all tomorrow, and then she’d have rabbit to fix through the winter.Perhaps there was a better way to preserve them, but she didn’t know it.She’d just use them for rabbit stew, which was a favorite of hers anyway.
She made a simple supper of bacon sandwiches, not caring about whether or not Everett was happy with what she cooked.When he hadn’t returned when it was time to eat, she sat down and ate without him.
She cleaned the dishes and put them away, and still Everett hadn’t returned.Fine.If he wanted to sulk like a child, she was glad he wasn’t doing it where she could see him.
She went to bed at bedtime, concerned about him, but not letting herself worry too much.He’d return when he was ready.
