Farm Girl

This story is part of the Vocal + Assist on Facebook Lost in a Story Challenge. You can learn more about it here. Try it -- it's fun!

~~~

When the stinking son of our ailing King expanded his hunting grounds, he claimed over half our farmland for his royal park.

"We barely get by as it is!" my mother exclaimed. "The Prince will hunt, and we will starve!"

"The Prince is a pig," my big brother declared with that steely glint. "And I plan to say that to his face."

“Hush!” said Mother. “Or we’ll lose more than our farm.”

I reached for my brother’s hand. He winked at me. "Perhaps insulting royalty can wait."

I whispered, "What are we going to do?"

"I intend to chop firewood,” my brother said confidently, “while I make a plan."

Mother likewise rose. "Chore time, Sonia." I sighed and picked up the milking pail. I was angry, but not worried. My brother would never fail us.

Next morning my brother announced, "The Wallace farm pays well for a good farmhand. I’ll send you my wages.”

“You’re leaving us?" I cried. I stormed after him as he packed his satchel. "I think you just want adventure!"

"Peanut, I can't grow old on this farm, scraping out a few turnips every year." He shook his head. "I knew I’d go seek my fortune someday … just not so soon.”

My eyes blazed. "Go then. I don't care!"

I sulked and seethed. I had lost my father. We were losing our farm. And now --

I didn’t intend to say goodbye. But when my brother paused in the doorway, gazing at us with fond intensity, my heart melted.

“I have to go, Peanut,” he said, gently.

I took a deep breath, then answered imperiously: "As you wish."

I think Wesley knew that meant, I love you.

~~~