Daisy Buchanans first night as a newlywed was spent in a state of shock and fear. As the days passed, she found some relief in the fact that Tom Joad, aside from that first drunken night where he almost forced himself on her, had since treated her with a strange politeness and never tried to force himself on her again. This change in behavior was not out of respect or affection, but rather a facade to hide his impotence.
What truly troubled Daisy was the constant presence of Atticus Finch in her daily life. The two brothers seemed to maintain a civil relationship, which made things even more complicated for her. During breakfast one morning, Tom Joad even offered to serve Atticus some food, which he accepted with a cold indifference. Since her marriage, Atticus had become even more withdrawn and silent.
"Atticus, youre not getting any younger. How about that marriage the old man wants you to consider?" Tom inquired casually. Daisys hand trembled, and the chopsticks she was holding clattered to the floor.
His marriage? Wasnt she supposed to be his bride? But everything had changed.
A wave of bitterness washed over Daisys heart. She still loved him, and she couldnt help but care about every little detail of his life...
Atticuss body stiffened at the mention of marriage. The old man was relentless, it seemed. Was he really going to force his will on the younger generation?
Atticus was about to refuse when he caught a glimpse of Daisy out of the corner of his eye. She was spooning her porridge, seemingly unaffected. A pang of sadness shot through him, and he felt a sour taste in his mouth. He blurted out, "You mean Catherine Genovese, right? Its fine!"
The room fell silent.
Catherine Genovese, so he had someone in mind to marry all along, yet he had deceived her into marrying his brother!
Atticus Finch, you bastard! Daisys heart ached more and more.
Tom seemed taken aback but quickly recovered. "Good, then Ill have the two families look at the dates sooner..."
The sound of Daisys spoon hitting the floor echoed through the room.
Daisy stood up abruptly, apologizing profusely. "Im so sorry, it was an accident, Ill have someone clean it up right away..."
Before she could finish, she turned and hurried out, tears streaming down her face.
She felt so foolish and laughable, yet also so miserable.
It was he who had deceived her, handed her over to another man, yet she still ached and mourned for him. She knew she shouldnt, but she couldnt control her emotions.
Why did it hurt so much? So much that being in that house felt suffocating.
It was unbearable, making her wish she could either die or run away.
Atticus, why are you so cruel? Even if you dont love me, you shouldnt have destroyed me like this...
Daisy cried into her hands, huddled in a corner, hiding all her sounds, tears, and the bone-corrosive pain under her arms.
Atticus watched Daisys hasty retreat with a flicker of emotion in his eyes. So, she did care, didnt she? Otherwise, she wouldnt have been so upset upon hearing him agree to marry.
Atticuss heart leaped with joy, but as he looked up, he saw Tom watching him with an inscrutable gaze. He suddenly remembered the marks on her body that night, marks that belonged to the man in front of him.
Atticus slammed his chopsticks down, stood up, and without a word, walked in the direction Daisy had run off.
Tom stood up, his palm clenching tightly! He was going to see if Atticus dared to go after her...