Roger became aware, in a subliminally marital way, that his wife was disgruntled at the thought of being left behind to organize the harvest-a filthy, exhausting job at the best of times-whilst he frolicked with a squad of his co-religionists in the romantically exciting metropolis of Cross Creek, population two hundred.
Roger started to sense that his wife felt unhappy about being left to manage the grueling task of harvest alone. The work was not only physically demanding but also tedious, and he recognized the unfairness of her situation compared to his upcoming trip to the lively city of Cross Creek with a group of fellow believers.
This awareness struck Roger on a deeper, almost intuitive level, highlighting the tension between his desire for adventure and his wife's burdensome responsibilities. He understood that while he would be enjoying a break, she would be weighed down by hard labor, creating an emotional rift in their relationship.
