"How was your afternoon, evening, night?" Martin asked as they strolled past the manager's office, they had been in a while a go.
"Nothing really, reading and eating. "
His interest clearly had been piqued, "Reading?"
She nodded.
"Maybe coming weekend you'd love to come for a walk with me. You should see the neighbourhood and probably treat it as a celebration of your new career," He smiled.
Reign seemed to thought it over then shook her head in refusal. Putting his hands in his pockets, he smiled and hurriedly walked away. Reign could only sigh at his retreating back.
Reaching the vegetable section, the rows of plants were lush and precious, tomatoes, broccoli, kales, carrots peeking out of the soil eeiii!!, she looked at her coworkers and smiled, murmuring greetings. They enthusiastically greeted her back. They didn't seem to give the yesterday strange vibes. The all over whispers were about the government issues, these people never seemed to find a positive topic, she guessed.
Together, they bent and went on weeding, destroying the strays that were a threat to the vibrant cuties. The gentle rhythm of working in the soil was like some sort of meditation, therapy or something she couldn't place a finger on.
She watched Martha move towards the kitchen then after head to the cow"s shed. Even from a distance, she could smell the hay, standing she watched Martha deal with the gentle, calm beasts in the milking station. Tamed they were, just chewed their cud. It was fascinating to watch the lady skillfully working with the beautiful creatures. She remembered yesterday scene, the gentle pulling had appeared like a caress to them, the full metal pails brimming with fresh milk. It had been a heavenly sight.
Far off Martin was repairing a small fence that she had heard, it was damaged by a recent storm, he then moved to feeding the pigs who had been oinking greedily all morning. The farm seemed to breath a rhythm of life.
Since the weeding was almost over, she moved inside the barn, the chicken roaming freely clicked happily, clearing all her hesitation in a second. Taking a basket, she had started to collect the eggs, the fragile shells felt precious. Then the scent of freshly baked cakes wafted through the air, making her stomach rumble. Flinching in embarrassment, she found Martha smiling at her. Extending her hand, she took the basket, placed it on the shelves above and with a head gesture pointed to the kitchen.
As Reign followed her into the kitchen, she noticed the endless, timeless charm of the place. Soon after the kitchen was filled with laughter. Around the table sat the nine elders, conversation flowing easily, stories about everything and anything. Drake, who had a bright smile and thick spectacles spoke the mostest, Reign observed it was mostly about the horses. He spoke of them with a gentle warmth in his tone, she wouldn't have minded listening to him all day long, she actually even decided to persuade Martin to get a horse for the farm.
Watching them, she felt embarrassed for judging them earlier, these people spoke to her with patience, kindness and genuine happiness what was with Martin? Why was he avoiding them? Her thoughts had wandered, but not for long cause the contagious warmth here pulled her right back, very fast. It was like she had been part of their lives since forever.
As the sun shone brightly above her head later on the day, Reign felt reluctant to go to the milk bar. Martin came to stand beside her, his hands digging deep in his coverall.
"You really are a simple one"
Reign turned,.
"You really can appreciate beauty " He said softly without turning to face her questioning look.
Reign nodded, feeling something stir deep inside her. "I hope you can experience the special kind of peace that is in this place, the special beauty of the land, the kind people,"
"You connecting with them?" He inquired staring directly to her face.
"I'm connecting with the earth" She replied as a van pulled over and she hopped in, without waiting for his statement.