The Write Place

Under the Fruiting Tree: Chapter 16 – The Write Place
Under the Fruiting Tree: Novella Table of Contents – The Write Place

The clouds were clearing from the morning sky.  A sunny summer day lay ahead.  The lush green valley was lit in radiant sunlight.  The tree was bearing its first fruits as children happily climbed it.  Sarah stood by the tree, a little boy with slightly lighter skin at rest in her arms.  People milled about at the church talking to friends and neighbors.  Sarah, however, awaited someone more.  She looked off into the distance towards a promising figure.  Down the road he came, full red beard in a blue uniform.  Rodney made his way toward her, tipping his hat to some he knew ’til finally he made his way to the tree.  Setting his things on the bench he opened his arms to embrace his wife.  He kept one arm around Sarah and looked at the little boy in her arms.  Their blue eyes locked for the first time.  Sarah’s eyes overflowed with tears; an experience Rodney shared.   With her free hand Sarah wiped away the tears.

“Momma, why cry?” asked the little red-haired boy. “Momma sad?” he said as he reached to wipe a tear from her face.  Sarah took his little hand in hers.

“I was.  But not anymore” she said with a gentle kiss on his head.

“So this here is the little man?” Rodney said, looking into the boy’s piercing blue eyes.  His auburn hair paralleled that of Rodney as their blue eyes met. “Hello there young man!”  Rodney greeted the child with a playful voice.  The child looked to his mother for reassurance, a bit uncertain about this new development.

“Remember the letters momma read you Simeon?  From Daddy?” she said, receiving a nod from her son.   “This is the man from the picture.  This is Daddy.  See his red hair.  Remember I told you about his red hair?”  The little boy smiled as he reached out for his father’s hair.  Rodney obliged by leaning in and removing his infantryman’s hat.  The whole scene elicited a few looks from the surprised crowd.  The couple didn’t care; they didn’t have to do so much anymore. Tears filled Rodney’s eyes as laughter formed his face. 

“It’s so good to see you again. To hear your voice outside of my mind,” he said to Sarah.  Looking to Simeon he said, “Nice to finally meet you too little fella. I’ve enjoyed your letters.  Now look at you. You’ll grow big and strong someday I’m certain,” Rodney began taking off his jacket.  “I keep taking this off then putting it back on.  The breeze makes the whole endeavor confusing.  Can’t stand the uniform.  It breathes fine but in the heat, I never found it comfortable.”
“I think you look rather handsome in it,” Sarah said with a smile.  Rodney smiled upon hearing her favorable review.  

“Well thanks a lot.  Though I am told I look handsome in anything.  Doesn’t make it comfortable, but makes it worthwhile,” he said with a happy smile on his face.  

“Not always the same thing,” Sarah said amused.  “People are looking,” Sarah said more in observation than making any point.  A small, sharp smile appeared upon her face.

“Let them look,” Rodney added as his eyes shone bright.  “We won’t be here much longer anyway,” Rodney said, turning to face the church.  Jonathan in his full clerical garb walked over to greet them.  He reached out to shake Rodney’s hand.  A smile of greeting appeared on their faces.

“So good to see you again.  I know you want to be going soon.  If you need anything from me till then I’m here,” Jonathan added.  “So glad you’re back alive and well.”

“Likewise. Good to see you too reverend,” Rodney replied.  “Shouldn’t need anything.  I got everything packed and ready at my house.  We’re figuring maybe head west.  Still some land to settle but the mountains nearby may still be a good place.  We’ll see.  I do have family there.  They’ll be good to us at least until we find a place,” Jonathan nodded pleased at Rodney’s words.

“That’s really great to hear.  If you can, write.  If it’s too much trouble don’t bother.  You two will be in our prayers,” he said as Delores walked up with her short body behind him.

“So good to see you two together again,” Delores added, shaking Rodney’s hand vigorously.  “Please do write.”

“I just asked them the same Delores,” Jonathan said, looking at his wife.

“Oh, well I really want you to write too.  We’ll miss you and the little one,” Delores said, taking a free hand to tickle Simeon who giggled in return.

“We best be going.  If we don’t see you before we leave, thank you for everything,” said Rodney with an arm around Sarah.

“Really, You’ve been such a blessing,” Sarah spoke in agreement.  “Haven’t they?” she said, looking at Simeon as she gently bounced him on her hip. 

“Yup,” said Simeon in his youthful voice.

Rodney looked up to the tree.  Taking his hand he plucked an apple and gave it to Sarah.  “Something for the walk home.  Do you want one too, Simeon?” he said looking at his son.  The suggestion received a nod, and the little boy received the apple.  Rodney took one for himself.  The family walked down the road each eating slices of the fruit.  They waived to Jonathan and Delores as they headed onto a new place, towards the future that would be theirs.