Roslin whispered, "Thank you. I feel a bit relaxed now."
Mrs. Agbor leaned in gently. "Sometimes, fresh air is essential, my dear. It has its own way of healing."
Roslin smiled weakly, her eyes downcast. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the bench beside them. Mrs. Agbor adjusted her shawl, glancing at Roslin as they walked.
"Are you hungry? Or maybe thirsty?" Mrs. Agbor asked, her warm smile inviting. She gestured toward the garden path ahead. "We could stop at a café for a bit if you'd like."
Roslin shook her head lightly, offering a small smile as she tucked her hands into her pockets. "No, I'm fine, thank you." Her brow furrowed slightly, her gaze focused on the ground. "What did Dave say to you earlier?" She looked up, curiosity mingling with hesitation. "I was lost in thought…"
Mrs. Agbor chuckled softly, her eyes warm with reassurance. "Oh, nothing for you to worry about, dear." She placed a brief hand on Roslin's arm. "He just asked me to take good care of you."
A brief pause filled the air as Roslin frowned slightly, her voice quieter and tinged with surprise. "I'm still shocked that he loves me… even with how difficult I've been." She bit her lip, glancing toward the garden's edge.
"More than you know, dear," Mrs. Agbor replied, smiling kindly, her tone comforting. "Your husband loves you very much." She stopped, turning slightly to face Roslin. "That's why he believes talking to someone will help you."
Roslin turned to Mrs. Agbor, curiosity weaving into her voice. "How do you two know each other?"
Mrs. Agbor laughed lightly, shaking her head. "We don't, actually."
Roslin frowned in confusion. "Then…"
Mrs. Agbor tilted her head slightly, explaining, "His cousin was one of my clients in the past. They were considering divorce, and her husband was my sister's boss." She glanced up as if recalling the details.
Roslin's eyes widened slightly. "Are you talking about Regan?"
Mrs. Agbor nodded. "Yes, that was my sister's boss. She used to complain about how difficult he was at work—how he'd argue with his wife in front of everyone. She even witnessed him hit her more than once. His wife had enough and wanted to leave, but they were expecting a baby. I really don't know how Regan's wife and my sister became friends, but she opened up to her, and my sister introduced her to me."
Roslin shook her head slowly, a mixture of sadness and recognition in her voice. "I knew Regan was abusive. Caroline and I talked about how much she wanted to leave, but she couldn't." She sighed, her voice softening. "She already had two kids, loved him, and didn't know where to start if they divorced. I always told her to do what made her happy, but I couldn't decide for her."
Mrs. Agbor sighed, her voice more serious. "I shouldn't be telling you this; it's confidential, but their marriage was saved. They still come to counseling once a month, and they're better than ever."
Doubt clouded Roslin's expression as she spoke quietly. "That doesn't apply to every marriage."
Mrs. Agbor nodded thoughtfully. "I never said it does." She gestured softly with her hand. "Talking only eases the burden. Sometimes, the answer you've been searching for is already within you."
Roslin bit her lip, her eyes downcast, then exhaled softly. "I don't know, ma'am…"
"It's alright," Mrs. Agbor paused, her voice filled with quiet concern. She watched Roslin for a moment before gently asking, "Are you ready to continue?"
Roslin sighed deeply, nodding slowly.
"Alright, sweetheart. Take your time," Mrs. Agbor said, rubbing Roslin's back reassuringly.