A Plain Man by Mary Ellis Page B

off their boots, coats, and hats, Eli chose this opportunity to set some guidelines before more time elapsed. “I didn’t appreciate you disagreeing with me on the roof, in front of the other men.” He kept his tone nonconfrontational.
    â€œI didn’t argue about anything, Daed. I merely pointed out my tool ran without an electrical cord.” Caleb hooked his coat and hat on a peg.
    â€œYou should have respected my authority as your boss and your father and set down the tool without backtalk.”
    â€œDiscussing something in a calm manner isn’t backtalk. It’s how adults communicate in the world. I am a grown man, but I’m also more than willing for you to call the shots on the job. It’s your company and I respect your position in it, in addition to you being my father.” Caleb slicked a hand through his tangled hair. He hadn’t raised his voice or used a defensive posture, yet Eli sensed resistance just the same.
    â€œMost matters aren’t up for discussion. We’re Amish and therefore subject to my decisions as your bishop and our Old Order Ordnung , whether district members are young or old. You still manifest ego and pride—both traits learned in the Englisch society. Those won’t serve you here.” Eli hung up his hat and coat on the next peg.
    â€œI doubt that Englischers are the only ones who develop pride. But I’ll do my best to respect your authority while at work.” Caleb leaned over the stationary tub to wash. His mother didn’t need any tar residue tracked into the household bathroom. Turning on the taps, hetested the water and stuck his head under the stream as though cooling off his hot temper.
    â€œThat is true, but those in their permissive society learn no self-restraint or how to control their tongues.”
    Caleb straightened his spine, flinging droplets of water around the laundry and storage area.
    â€œI gave Jack the tools that you won’t allow. I don’t know what else you want from me. I didn’t argue. I only questioned what I didn’t understand.” While he talked, Caleb unbuttoned his navy blue shirt, dropped his suspenders to his waist, and pushed up the sleeves of his thermal undershirt. He was preparing to wash his neck and arms, but froze when Eli gasped. Every drop of blood drained from Caleb’s face when he realized his mistake, his complexion turning the color of woodstove ash.
    â€œWhat is that?” With a trembling finger, Eli pointed at a garish tattoo. The monstrosity stretched from his mid-forearm up to his elbow.
    Caleb turned away, grabbing frantically for his shirt. “Nothing to concern yourself with.”
    â€œLet me see it,” Eli demanded, holding Caleb’s arm steady to get a better look. Twin snakes writhed and coiled around a fancy red heart. Inside the name Kristen had been inscribed in an old-fashioned script. Red outlined the bottom of the letters as though blood dripped from her name. “Vipers! That is an abomination.” He didn’t attempt to hide his disgust. “What kind of unholy alliances did you form in the city? Were you in some kind of cult?” He whispered the last word as though afraid of invoking evil.
    Caleb pulled away from him and turned back to the stationary tub. He thrust his arms beneath the taps and scrubbed with the bar of Lifebuoy soap. “I was in no cult. It only means I thought I was in love with a woman named Kristen.”
    â€œThe body is a temple of the Lord. Yet you defiled yours with snakes and garish designs.”
    â€œBelieve me, if there was any way I could rid myself of it I would. It was a mistake. I did a foolish thing when I wasn’t myself.”
    â€œWere you drunk?” asked Eli.
    â€œYes, drunk and a fool. Two conditions I hope never to be again.”
    Eli rubbed his tired eyes with his fingertips. “You’re certain a doctor can’t remove this...this tattoo? Maybe