Purchasing a Rug

Over the next few weeks, Douglas and Faith consciously uncoupled. They still co-parented their son, but gradually more and more Black men, particularly Black Jack, started to sleep over. And Douglas started to spend more time with Jenny, although there was a strict rule about separate bedrooms.

Douglas was at the rug shop today to buy two of the finest rugs, a sign to Jenny that he was serious, and a sign to Ahmad that he would submit.

"I'd like your two finest rugs," he said to Ahmad, trying not to look at the maimed Afghani man more than he had to. Ahmad cocked his head, looking at Douglas.

"Are you sure?" he asked. He sounded elderly, like the trauma had aged him considerably.

"Quite sure," Douglas said, trying to sound assured of himself.

"There are no refunds," Ahmad said, continuing to stare at the younger lawyer.

"I'm well aware," Douglas said.

"That will be $25,000," Ahmad said, extending his hand. Douglas blanched, but he'd been warned this would be pricey. He opened his small case, pulling out a stack of one-hundred dollar bills.

"Thank you. You know about the other debt, then." Douglas simply nodded. "You know ... when I was a younger man, my wife and I had three children. All raised the light of Islam. And we had a marriage of over a decade. It is a substantial debt, that will not be paid off anytime soon. It may never be paid off."

"I ... understand," Douglas said, his voice suddenly dry.

"Good. You are dismissed. Enjoy the rugs."