Stephen did not know what to say. He remembered that Benjamin had wanted to make his own choice, and Stephen could see the pain and hurt in his friend’s eyes. “If there is anything I can do, I will gladly do it,” he said sincerely.
Benjamin put his hands over his friend’s and slumped. He knew Stephen meant what he said. Looking him in the eyes he replied, “I wish there were something you could do, but there isn’t. I think it best if I could get away from here for a while. Put some distance between my family and me, away from the brethren we meet with on the Sabbath... and just... think.” There was a heartfelt plea in his statement, and he hoped that his friend would understand without asking questions. The thought of attending the meeting on the Sabbath, even facing Rhoda again, made his
