Collateral Damage

The scorching sun aggravated his aching muscles as he thrust the hoe into the hard ground. Pausing for a vital drink of water, Marcus wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes drawn in the direction of home.

In the distance, he saw the blurry brown shapes of oxen moving slowly through the adjacent field. The animals’ pace told him that his men were making headway with the plowing. Shifting to look in the opposite direction, he saw white puffballs against the backdrop of the vineyard. There had been many lambs this year, and the shepherds were busy keeping the flock fed.

A gust of wind carried the smell of manure, pottery drying in a kiln, and baking bread into his nostrils. Inhaling deeply, he enjoyed the tangible comfort that always came from the smell of home.

Bending to begin hoeing once again, another gust of wind brought the unexpected scent of sandalwood, triggering a memory of his younger brother, Stephen. He stiffened as he tried to push the memory aside. A stabbing pain in his chest caused tears to form as Stephen’s face danced across his mind, a long-lost specter that refused to be forgotten.

It had been years since Stephen had left to begin a new life. Occasional reports from traveling merchants caused bittersweet feelings as news of debauchery brought shame to their family name while providing a lifeline of hope for their father.

Working dutifully, Marcus had tried to ease his father’s pain, but the old man’s longing for Stephen to visit or return home never seemed to ebb.

As the years went by, Marcus’s resentment toward his brother grew like a strangling vine. He had stayed behind to help his father run their estate while Stephen was living a carefree life in an exotic land. Stephen’s absence had caused additional expense as servants and hired men were required to replace his labor. These had come out of Marcus’s portion so as not to burden their father further, a fact that their father had never once thanked him for.

His father’s attitude toward him increased his resentment. Although Marcus knew that his father appreciated his help, the old man ignored him, obsessing over memories of Stephen.

Not even their mother could break the hold Stephen’s absence had over their father’s mind. Marcus wished his father would forget him. The constant reminder of Stephen prevented him from asking his father for luxuries, as he did not want to appear like the son who had left them to waste the fruits of their father’s labor on things with no lasting value.

Snapping back to the present, he wiped the tears from his eyes and completed his task. The crimson sky signaled the end of the workday. The men in his work crew placed their tools in a shed at the edge of the field before gathering around for any final direction.

Satisfied with the daily labor, Marcus signaled to those who lived at the main homestead that it was time to head out. As they walked, he looked around at the men accompanying him. His servants respected him, knowing that he was not exempt from the high standards he had set for the day’s labor. Refusing to let them down, he worked through minor injuries and sickness. His diligence made him strong and unmoved by sentimentality.

As their distance from the homestead decreased, he caught a whiff of roasting meat, his stomach growling in anticipation of a hearty meal and a soft bed. The men seemed equally eager to receive the rewards of their hard work, and they unanimously picked up the pace as the smell grew stronger.

Approaching the house, the sound of music caught him off guard. He had seen his father that morning, and he had not mentioned a celebration planned for that evening. Stopping a passing servant, the answer to his inquiry hit him like a battering ram. Their father was celebrating Stephen’s return and had not alerted him.

Rage grew within him, replacing the hunger and fatigue he had felt only moments before. How DARE Stephen return after all these years, having destroyed their family name and hurt their father immeasurably, only to be given a hero’s welcome.

Releasing his men, he refused to go into the house, preferring to stew on his feelings.

His father’s voice interrupted him.

Having been alerted to Marcus’s return, his father had sought him out, inviting him to join the celebration.

Reluctant to destroy the joy in his father’s eyes, Marcus nevertheless knew that he had to say something about the injustice his father was perpetrating against him.

Maintaining a respectful tone, he bluntly reminded his father of his years of obedience and service while Stephen had squandered everything their father had given him.

Maintaining the command that had enabled him to overcome all the hardships in his life, his father stated that Stephen was also his son. Tears welling in his eyes, he reminded Marcus that he had never had to suffer the trials Stephen had endured BECAUSE he had made good decisions.

Marcus stubbornly stared at his father as the party continued behind them into the night.