"At least this saves my energy," he remarked.
"It would have been horrible if I still had to drag this ladder behind me."
The ladder stopped, pulling Jidenna out from his wandering thoughts.
He folded his shirt sleeve, getting it out of the way. "Time to start digging."
The time was ticking closer and closer to 7 o'clock.
Jidenna sighed, taking a step back from the aisle.
"It seems I'll have to come back tomorrow, then."
He brought out a folded handkerchief from his pocket, wiping away the thin sheen of sweat that had coated his forehead, his eyes full of disappointment.
He turned around, adjusting the handle of his bag on his shoulders.
"No need to keep the girl waiting," he lightly joked, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere around him.
Just then, his eyes caught something—a book at the corner of his eye.
Jidenna hesitated but still decided to check.
