“I Feel Sorry for the Man Who Marries Her,” He Said — By Autumn, He Was the One Saying the Vows
Chapter 14
The tavern eventually changed owners.
But the old fireplace remained.
A new generation gathered there.
One evening, Daniel overheard a young man making fun of a quiet woman who had entered wearing a worn dress.
Daniel looked at him.
The young man froze.
Daniel smiled.
“I know that look.”
The young man asked:
“What look?”
“The look of a man who hasn’t learned yet.”
The tavern became quiet.
Daniel sat down.
“You see an old dress.”
He pointed toward the woman.
“I see someone who may have survived more than you’ll ever know.”
The young man lowered his eyes.
Daniel smiled.
“Be careful what you laugh at.”
Then he turned toward the woman.
“Please. Sit with us.”
She hesitated.
Then accepted.
Across the room, Clara watched her husband.
She smiled.
He caught her eye.
She mouthed:
“You’re learning.”
Daniel laughed.
“I had a good teacher.”
