In the short story "Shiloh", written by Bobbie Sue Mason, Norma Jean and Leroy are an older married couple who encounter new obstacles in their relationship. Leroy is injured in a truck accident, so he is unable to do this until his knee heals, but he is nervous about returning to trucking. Norma Jean, his wife, is used to being at home without Leroy and does not know how to deal with his frequent presence. His mother Mabel decided to take some of Leroy's place by hanging around his house more than he ever thought possible. She helps Norma Jean, but she is also a burden. It is up to the reader to decide whether Norma Jean and Leroy stay together, or end up divorced at the end of the story. I believe they can work things out if they see a marriage counselor. There are some very important issues that I believe if looked at, discussed and handled differently could get through this difficult time. The death of their son, Mabel's controlling mother, and the two's inability to communicate causes cracks in their relationship. Their son's death happened before Leroy was on the road all the time. They never really discussed what happened or how it made them feel. Leroy hits the road and pretty much stays there until he gets hurt. I think that was the start of the rift between them. Norma Jean felt resentful towards Leroy for leaving her to deal with all her emotions alone. They were in the same boat, but never sorted it out together. Now Leroy is back and Norma Jean has to see him every day. She tries to escape the pain and resentment she feels by indulging in different hobbies. When Leroy left, she wasn't reminded that they had a son, she basically started a n...... middle of paper ......e within Norma Jean. Mabel brings out the bad in Leroy, when Norma Jean needs to see the good. What I think this relationship boils down to is the lack of communication between Leroy and Norma Jean. They went through a very traumatic time in their life, they didn't face it, they just brushed it off. Leroy has to start working again, but still be there for his wife. They both have feelings for each other that they need to express. They must confront Mabel about her controlling ways and realize that they have their own lives that they need to live; they do not need a third person to intervene. They need to reconnect with each other, to become the way they were before Leroy. I don't think any relationship works without communication, whether it's a friendship, a relationship with another family member, or with your partner..