Page 66 of The Making of Marnie Jones

“Sure.” Jake responded quickly. “Instead of local news, why not watch the national news?”

Marnie could find no fault with the suggestion. “Sounds good to me. Olivia?”

“Not really interested. When I'm finished with dinner, can I use the computer?”

Jake met Marnie’s gaze, and she gave him a subtle go-ahead.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Marnie forked out sweet-and-sour pork. “While you're at it, find a recipe for rosemary chicken.”

Olivia grinned.

Nailed it.

A few minutes into the newscast, Olivia finished her food and made her way into the den.

The two adults sat on opposite ends of the couch, watching each news segment in silence.

Although Marnie felt the urge to comment, she held herself in check. She was well-versed in political and current events and, in fact, she watched the news every night. She did not, however, have anyone to talk to about what she witnessed. She feared making a fool of herself in front of Jake.

When the commercial came on, he made a noise deep in his throat.

“What is it?”

“How long is this civil war going to last? Thousands of people killed, hundreds of thousands of refugees. What a mess.”

“The reigning minority is holding onto power because they're afraid of the consequences should they fail to maintain supremacy.”

“True.” He said the word slowly, with deliberation. “Eventually, however, they’re going to lose their grip on power. Why not leave now before more atrocities are committed? Why keep killing their own people?”

The commercial break ended, and silence yet again descended upon them. The silence was comfortable. They each stated their own opinion and respected the other's perspective.

At the end of the next segment, she bristled. “This is the third time that Indigenous community has needed to declare a state of emergency. Why don’t we fix the problems?”

“You think money is the solution?”

“Those kids are being raised in abject poverty—in one of the richest countries of the world. If money isn’t the solution, what is? We treat our Indigenous citizens abominably.” Watching their struggle in her country frustrated her.

If he had been going to answer, he held his tongue as the news continued.

The ending story was about the return of clotheslines in urban areas. A way to save money, good for the environment, and a lighter way to end the news.

When the broadcast finished, she scooped up the plates and headed toward the kitchen.

“I'm going to check on Olivia.” Jake pointed to the den.

“Sure. I’ll put the leftovers in the fridge.” She gave him a genuine smile, liking that he was going to check on Olivia. The girl was a beginner when it came to the internet, and Jake monitoring her usage was a good thing.

Food stowed, she contemplated her next move. Another movie? Reading? She wanted to suggest a board game, but Jessica probably didn't keep them in stock. A fan of trivia, she instinctively knew Olivia would be at a crippling disadvantage. She headed for the remote control, but was waylaid when Jake and Olivia appeared.

Olivia's eagerness was unmistakable as she vibrated, and her smile was wide. She looked at Jake, clearly seeking his approval.

“Go ahead.” He gestured. “It's your idea.”

She clasped her hands in front of her. “Would you like to go to the theater tomorrow?”

“Sure, sounds like fun.” Marnie’s anticipation surged. It sounded like something she might enjoy—even if it meant going out in public again. “What are we going to see?”

“Les Misérables.” Olivia’s eyes were dilated and shiny with excitement. “There's a traveling company, and tomorrow's matinée is one of the last shows with tickets still available. I've always wanted to see the show. The seats aren’t great… “

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