Tangled Temptations

Harvey gently tapped her hand. In a soft voice, he said, "I made a promise that day, and now it's time to fulfill it."

Eloise was at a loss for words for a moment.

Just then, Parker walked over. He said to his son, "We can begin now!"

Harvey guided Eloise to sit aside as he followed Parker. The Horigan family, a motley crew of men and women, young and old, gathered densely, kneeling and bowing in threes in the direction of the officiant.

Harvey reverently honored the Horigan family legacy with great solemnity. The amulet Max had given Eloise was also offered.

Master Lee, with his own hands, placed it in front of the ancient sanctuary lamp, watching silently for a moment before murmuring, "If his spirit lingers in this world, it should now rest in peace."

Harvey brought his hands together in prayer. At that moment, he felt no envy towards Max, only a sincere well-wishing.

...

When it all ended, it was four in the afternoon. Harvey took Eloise to meet with Master Lee alone.

In the austere meditation chamber, Master Lee's eyes shone with wisdom as he gazed at Eloise and her slightly swollen belly. "Very good," he noted.

Eloise offered a slight smile.

In private, Master Lee was quite approachable and spoke casually. With a smile, he said, "I've seen much of the world, yet seldom have I seen a man as devoted as Mr. Horigan. Perhaps he touched the heavens that night."

Master Lee didn't say much more, and only offered them tea. A young apprentice served the tea.

Harvey took a sip and found it pleasant.

Master Lee sat cross-legged, looking out through the paper-paned windows at the sunset hanging over the mountains. "The sun sets behind the mountains, and dusk is just as beautiful," he remarked.

Harvey concurred.

Master Lee smiled faintly and gestured. "Mr. Horigan, please return home."

Harvey helped Eloise to her feet. He bowed slightly. "Thank you for your time, Master."

Master Lee said nothing.

Feeling it wasn't right to speak further, Harvey left with Eloise. As they exited, the sunset set the sky aflame with reds and oranges.

Back in the meditation chamber, Master Lee remained still, his face the only sign of emotion.

The young apprentice stayed prostrate, weeping softly. "Master, why did you defy fate?"

"Rise," Master Lee said gently.

But the apprentice remained, still crying.

Master Lee's gaze followed the sun as he slowly said, "Life is all about causes and consequences. I, too, have my worldly attachments, and it's only fitting that I face the consequences. You know, seeing Mr. Horigan is like seeing my younger self, except I hid from my emotions and am no wiser than him."

A look of liberation crossed Master Lee's face. He wasn't really helping Mr. Horigan; he was seeking his own release.

The bell of the temple tolled. Its sound resonated deeply and far, signaling the passing of an enlightened soul.

The Horigan family, on their way down the mountain, heard it.

Parker and Harvey exchanged glances, guessing the reason, and hurried back to

the temple, where the apprentice relayed Master Lee's final words. "Master Lee said he was grateful to you, Mr. Horigan."

The Horigans were taken aback.

...

Back at home, their hearts were still heavy.

Harvey retreated to his study to smoke. Eloise knew Harvey was upset, prepared his favorite dish, and brought it to him.

She took the cigarette from his hand. Harvey looked up slowly, watching her as he spoke softly, "Master Lee must have foreseen the outcome even before helping me."

Eloise's heart ached too. She went to Harvey, enveloping him in her embrace. He was rarely so vulnerable and unaccustomed to showing weakness in front of his wife, but today was an exception.

"Harvey," she whispered, "I guess Master Lee had an unresolved issue, pent up for years. He was in the temple, but his heart was not, trapped all the same."

She choked up slightly. "I bet when he was young, he had a girl he loved too." Harvey held her close.noveldrama

Eloise cradled his face, kissing him. "Harvey, I'm just as upset as you are! But isn't the meaning of our lives to live them well? Otherwise, aren't we betraying his intentions?"

Harvey murmured, "I never knew you were so comforting, Eloise. I underestimated you."

Eloise stroked his warm neck tenderly. "Eat something; you've hardly eaten all day. And how's your leg? Still sore?"

Harvey shook his head. He said it wasn't sore but Eloise knew better. His leg had never been the same since that night in the snow.

She wanted to massage it for him. Harvey refused, watching Eloise. "I used to be terrible, causing you to give up being a pianist. Now my leg's a mess, consider it my repayment to you."

Eloise was upset. Did he really not care about his leg injury and thought of it that way? "Harvey, I don't want that kind of compensation! You're my husband, the father of our four children. If your leg's not working, how will you hold me and the kids?"

Eloise laid on his leg, whispering softly, "I really don't want that kind of repayment! Your pain only brings me sorrow, Harvey. Playing the martyr isn't like you!"

Harvey's voice was hoarse as he spoke, "Eloise, I was afraid you'd be unhappy."

He had recovered his memory and wasn't sure if their feelings remained unchanged in Eloise's heart. So he resorted to martyrdom, but Eloise saw right through it.

"Mrs. Horigan, you're too clever."

Eloise said nothing more. She just leaned against him, whispering, "Harvey, I hope that when we grow old, we won't have regrets like Master Lee. As long as we love each other every year, every month, every day, we need to show it."

Harvey was moved. He agreed.

Eloise insisted he finish his supper and then prepared a warm compress for him. Harvey wanted to joke with her, but the memory of Master Lee's passing weighed heavily on him, and in the end, he just gave a faint smile.

In the deep of the night, as Eloise slept, Harvey pulled a photograph from the drawer. The woman in the photograph resembled Eloise, but it wasn't her.

Years ago, this young girl was radiant and beautiful. It was unmistakably Tracey, Brett and Louise's mother.

Beneath the dim glow of an old-fashioned lamp, Harvey studied the photograph for a long time before flipping it over.

That night, Master Lee agreed to lend Harvey a hand, but he also asked a favor of Harvey. He wanted Harvey to return the photograph to someone in Brockville. Master Lee confessed that he owed a debt to someone, and helping Eloise was simply a way to make amends for past mistakes.

Harvey figured it was time for a trip to Brockville. He decided not to let Eloise in on this errand, and honoring Master Lee's wish to let bygones be carried away with the wind.

Late into the night, Harvey returned to the bedroom. Eloise hadn't fallen asleep. He walked to the bedside and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Why are you still awake?"

Eloise wrapped her arms gently around his waist, murmuring, "Harvey, I'm scared. I'm scared this is all just a dream and that when I wake up, you won't be here with

me."