Redemption Lake by Monique Miller

from the group. “In addition to tone, there are non-verbal actions which often negate what’s being said. “For example ... ” Phillip stopped speaking, and in a swift movement, he stood behind Shelby and hooked his arm around her neck in a headlock, acting as if he were going to choke her.
    The women jumped in their seats in surprise. The men’s eyes widened at the display.
    Phillip smiled, and in a calm loving tone said, “If I told you right now that I love my wife unconditionally and would never harm a hair on her head, would you believe me?”
    â€œNope,” Travis said.
    Phillip released Shelby’s head and gave her shoulders a tight squeeze. “You okay, baby?”
    â€œYeah. Thanks for forewarning me about your experiment, or else I might have elbowed you or something,” Shelby said.
    â€œSo as you can see, actions speak louder than words. Even though I was syrupy sweet with my words, the choking didn’t make me too believable.”
    â€œUm-huh.” Beryl heartily nodded in agreement.
    â€œSo the words we use and how we use them can make the difference between our loved one fully understanding our true feelings or intentions. But they can also contribute to a love misunderstanding if there is a conflicting tone and/or body language associated with what we are saying.”
    Beryl looked at her husband, Travis. Her non-verbal stare said that she’d been through similar displays many times before.

Chapter 9
    Travis Highgate
Monday: 3:29 P.M .
    In their bedroom during their free time, Travis attempted to hug Beryl, but she pushed him away. “Beryl, honey, will you please sit down for a moment so we can talk? Can I show you my love language abilities?” Travis was referring to the seven love language skills Phillip had taught them in their most recent session.
    â€œTravis, weren’t you listening at all during the last session?” Beryl huffed in exasperation.
    â€œYeah, I was listening. I heard everything Phillip said.”
    Beryl was always accusing him of not paying attention. So he decided to prove to her that he had been listening in the previous session. He rattled off the list of things he’d memorized. “There are seven different ways people show their love to others: words, touch, serving, quality time, gifts, providing physical wellbeing, and making a special opportunity.” Travis grinned wide, showing his crooked teeth. He was proud of himself for memorizing the list in such a short time.
    â€œUmph,” Beryl said. “I guess you were listening.”
    He took Beryl’s hand and pulled her over to his twin bed. “See, baby. So please just sit down for a second so we can talk.”
    Even though there was reluctance in her eyes, Beryl did as Travis requested and sat down next to him. He then turned toward her, taking her hands into his.
    â€œBaby, don’t you see how committed I am? You asked me to come up here with you for this retreat, and I did. And let me tell you, I can already see that we don’t need this counseling.” Travis looked deep into Beryl’s eyes. “I know things haven’t been the best lately, but we don’t need someone else telling us how we can get our relationship back on track,” Travis said.
    Beryl pulled away. “Travis—”
    â€œBaby, let me talk.” Travis pulled her back, squeezing her hands as he pleaded.
    She pursed her lips together and allowed him to speak.
    â€œI know what your concerns are, and I promise to try even harder to find a job when I get back home. And I am going to try to do better with helping out around the house and with the kids. Baby, I promise I’ll do better about keeping the grass cut.” As Travis spoke, he felt his words must have been getting through to his wife. Tears welled up in her eyes. He took this as a good sign.
    â€œSo baby, I know you spent a lot of money for us to come here,”