Linda & Greg Morris's Arc

Chapter 1 of 11

Linda and Greg Morris sat at opposite ends of their worn kitchen table, the silence between them thick as fog. Three years ago, they'd promised forever. Now they couldn't even pass the salt without tension crackling in the air. Linda stared at the stack of unpaid bills while Greg traced circles on the table with his thumb. Neither spoke. Neither moved. But both were thinking the same thing: they weren't the only ones stuck like this in their small town, and maybe—just maybe—they could help other couples before it was too late. The next morning, Linda drove to the thrift store on Main Street. She walked past dusty shelves and old furniture until something caught her eye. A round wooden table sat in the back corner, scratched and faded but solid. The owner had draped it with a pale blue tablecloth covered in deer antlers and pink flower petals. Linda ran her hand across the surface. This table could seat four, maybe five couples at once. It felt right—not fancy or formal, just a place where people could sit and talk. She paid thirty dollars and loaded it into the truck. Greg helped her carry it into the community center that afternoon. They set it near the window where sunlight could reach it. Linda stepped back and looked at Greg. This was their first real step. This table would bring couples together, and maybe it would save them too.