“Mother, I request permission to have a discussion with you.”
“Oh, Mara! You Aged Up. How depressing. Abel and I shall start making the arrangements shortly.”
“Didn’t we mention? Sit, daughter.”
“What’s going on, mother? You’re frightening me!”
“The only thing we have to fear is the Lord’s relentless and fierce wrath. Child, the arrangements I speak of are of naught but benefit to you. Yes, I speak of the arranging of the marriage!"
“Marriage?! But mother, I’m so young-”
“Not now, foolish girl. We will arrange the marriage now, but you will not be wed until you are a Young Adult. Listen carefully, daughter: do not try to learn his identity. You are not to know who he is until the altar. Trust that we will find you a good husband, just as my parents found me Abel.”
“But what if I do not like him? What if we have naught in common?”
“We are not unfeeling, child. If you have a special request, we will try to honor it. Note the singular. No good comes from a long list of requirements. Pick one thing - a trait, the career he aims to have, a physical feature - and we will try to find a man with it. Your options are small, and pickiness is a very unattractive trait in a lady.”
“Oh. Understood. Then I would like him gentle, if you can.”
“Repulsive trait in a man. Any man that can be described as ‘gentle’ is unfit to lead a family. We can aim for ‘kind’, but no further.”
“...Understood. I would like him kind, please.”
“Noted. Now, beloved, you said you wanted a discussion?”
“Mother, I’m just ready to tear my hair at the seams! There’s too many children to look after. I-”
“You’re a woman. This is what you are designed to do. As a Child, it may have been a struggle, but as a Teen you’ll find it much easier.”
“No buts. I’m done talking.”
