Henry surveyed the Johnsons’ farm, finding it larger than anticipated. He never imagined how the couple managed this vast farm with just the two of them.
Mr. Johnson instructed him to apply fertilizer to the vegetables—cabbages, carrots, lettuce, cauliflowers, and Brussel sprouts. He also harvested some, and Mr. Johnson praised him for quickly absorbing the teachings, even calling him a genius.
That’s how he was known in Consehannon. A genius—once he observed and read how something had to be done, it became easy for him to execute, even without prior experience.
After a few moments toiling in the fields, he heard Mrs. Johnson call for him while holding a tray of cold beverages for him and her husband.
“Thank you for your hard work, James,” the old woman said with a smile. She even baked biscuits and bread for them to nibble on and regain strength to continue the day’s work. Henry couldn’t help but wonder if being so hospitable was a tradition in this community. But, of course, they weren’t aware that he was a Consehannon soldier. They would surely treat him differently once they knew the truth about him, unlike how Sarah welcomed him. But what makes her different? Is she the only person in this place who will keep him? Of course, she needed someone to play her husband, and when he arrived, she seized that opportunity to make a deal with someone who also needed a favor from her.
That’s why Henry can’t trust anyone other than her in this place.
“Sarah seems brighter these days, since you came home,” the woman commented, causing Henry to pause mid-sip of his beverage. He then gazed at Mrs. Johnson, silently urging her to elaborate.
“I’ve noticed her countenance has changed, like she’s no longer carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. It must be because you’re finally here with them. She can finally relax and lean on someone,” Mrs. Johnson explained.
Henry was unsure how to respond. He had always thought she looked bright, but there were times, like last night, when he could see the weariness and burdens etched on her face after returning from work. It seemed she was, as Mrs. Johnson described, bearing the weight of the entire world.
Could his presence truly have a positive impact on her? It seemed implausible, given the stressful circumstances. She was juggling the facade of a married woman while concealing the fact that she harbored a Consehannon soldier. How could these situations make her days brighter and lighter? He was the one relying on her, and this was the only moment he felt like he was contributing to their plan.
“It’s good to know,” he replied simply, taking a sip of his juice.
“Too bad you aren’t planning to stay,” Mr. Johnson chimed in, “Don’t you want to settle here with your family?”
“Well, I’ve already discussed this with Sarah, and I still have unfinished business in Viscardia that I need to attend to,” Henry shared, recounting the narrative he and Sarah had agreed upon, “But once everything is settled there, in Viscardia, I might consider staying here for good.”
“Well then, I hope it goes well for you,” Mr. Johnson responded, nodding his head, “Those two really need you.”
They sure do need someone, but definitely not me, Henry pondered to himself.
After receiving his pay for his labor, Henry strolled through the town to acquaint himself with it. His mission also included searching for a pawnshop to trade the expensive watch his adoptive father had given him. He wondered if the proceeds would suffice for the fare. Additionally, he sought out a shop dealing in broken radios, hoping to find one he could use to repair his portable radio.
He eventually located a pawnshop, but regrettably, the value placed on his watch was not as high. In comparison to the watches available in Colsary, it was considered a third-rate product made from common materials. This underscored to him the affluence of Colsary and the stark contrast in their country’s economy.
He discovered an antique shop that sold old radios and electronics. Fortunately, the store on the village street wasn’t overly crowded, though he felt uneasy under the curious gazes directed his way. At least, there were no Colsarian military personnel around.
Henry paused at a cafe to purchase some bread for Daisy. Anticipating her return from daycare at any moment, he knew the first thing she would seek out would be something sweet. Henry found it to be an effective incentive for her to keep from bothering him while he worked on his radio in his room and to ensure she stayed quiet while playing. Nevertheless, convincing her to tidy up her toys after playing remained a challenge.
“Boss called today,” Henry overheard amidst the lively chatter of three women in the cafe, sipping on their coffee. Anxious for his order to arrive so he could depart swiftly, he listened unwillingly, “Guess what, she really did come to work today!”
Henry scoffed, shaking his head. There were indeed individuals who couldn’t resist meddling in others’ affairs.
“I wonder how long it’ll take for Sarah to finish all the workload today.”
The mention of Sarah’s name immediately seized Henry’s attention. He discreetly turned to glimpse the women conversing behind him. The trio, dressed leisurely and expensively, raised questions. Were these Sophia’s coworkers causing her trouble at work? Did they abandon her to tackle all the workload today?
A surge of anger rose in Henry’s chest. He couldn’t comprehend how they could treat someone striving to work earnestly so callously. It made sense now why Sarah always appeared exhausted when she returned home and why she arrived late the previous night.
As the women fell silent, so did Henry’s rage. He sensed that continuing to eavesdrop might lead him to lash out at them, which wouldn’t be wise. Sarah surely wouldn’t appreciate him confronting her coworkers, especially when she was making efforts to maintain a positive relationship with them despite the challenges.
But he found himself taken aback as the trio of women seized the seats at his table, flashing smiles and casting flirty glances that made him inwardly recoil.
“Hey there, mister. We haven't seen your face around these parts before,” remarked one of them. “You’re not a local, are you?”
“Hello, my name’s Rosaline,” another chimed in, followed by introductions from the rest. However, Henry paid scant attention, quickly deducing they were nothing more than Sarah’s bothersome colleagues.
“Do you frequent the marketplace?” inquired another of the women.
“No, can’t say I do,” Henry replied, avoiding direct eye contact.
“Well, you oughta drop by sometime! We could give you a tour of Maplewood. Around here, we welcome strangers with open arms.”
Henry merely nodded, his mind preoccupied with thoughts that rendered their words mere background noise.
“We toil as seamstresses in a tailoring establishment,” she disclosed, presenting Henry with a leaflet bearing the address of the sewing shop. The address aligned with the information Sarah had provided about her workplace. “You should pay us a visit; we craft exquisite garments. I happen to be the most accomplished designer among us. Our attire would undoubtedly complement your figure.”
Henry smirked, accepting the flier and scrutinizing it. “I’m familiar with this establishment, and I’ve donned some of its garments. In fact, the outfit I’m sporting now hails from your shop, and you’re correct—it suits me.”
The three women blinked, as if simultaneously realizing the familiarity of Henry’s attire.
“It indeed originates from our shop, but we’ve never seen you as a patron,” one of them noted.
“That’s because I’ve never been one.”
“Then where did you acquire the clothes?”
“Well, as fate would have it, my wife happens to work at that very shop,” Henry revealed, displaying his left hand adorned with a wedding band.
They were collectively taken aback by his revelation, horror dawning on their faces as they comprehended that the man they had been flirting with was not only married but also the spouse of the coworker they had been disparaging just moments before.
“I don’t visit the shop since Sarah brings me newly crafted clothes every day,” Henry calmly stated, his words met with continued silence from the three women. Finally, his order arrived, and Henry hoped this would bring an end to their mistreatment of Sarah.
Standing up from his seat, he addressed them, “I would greatly appreciate it if you would continue being kind to my wife.”
“But she’s entertaining another man’s advances!” one of them retorted before Henry could leave. “Yeah, she’s cheating on you with some other guy. We’ve all seen her letting him court her, seeking his attention and money-”
The girl ceased speaking when Henry shot her a withering glare. If looks could kill, these women might have met their demise right then and there.
“Drop it,” Henry commanded with a tone that brooked no argument. The simple words were enough to halt their mouths from spewing further baseless rumors.
Without sparing them a single glance, Henry walked out of the cafe, leaving the stunned trio behind.