Family Issues

The days were getting warmer as the perfume of flowers was intensifying. Every day, Alice used to bring different types of flowers, saying how amazing the weather was. She took me closer to the window and showed me outside. It was a warm and sunny day. We used to live on a small hill surrounded by a small garden. I could also see some small green, equally spaced plants growing on a little farm.

"Look, dad works there nearby by those huge trees. Jonathan is with him today to see how a lumberjack works" said, pointing at the horizon. "I want to be a seamstress like mom." She put me on the bed and took a piece of cloth from her dress middle-pocket. "Look what I made for you! Isn't it pretty?" she took a piece of cloth embroidered with some unknown and uneven characters in blue. "I'm still learning how to write, but mom said this is how to write your name." I started playing with the cloth, waving and giggling. "Mom, Henry liked my embroidery!" Mom got closer and seated next to me.

"Indeed! Perhaps, it's time to start making him new clothes" said with a gently soft smile. "What do you think, sweetheart?" she continued, yawning. Mom certainly looked tired. I could not blame her. Dad used to snore, and I used to cry in response.

"Mom, may I make his clothes? I didn't know how to make when Jonathan was born, but now it's different" said excited, jumping in place. "I can make the clothes and sell some in the market as well".

"We can try for sure. I'll see what I can do…" mom looked sad behind her gently smile. "You know, we have had some problems with money over the last winter. I don't think we can have spare fabric for tests…" she kissed my forehead, avoiding eye contact with Alice.

"Mom, that's why I have been using my own clothes to learn… You said I've got better since last summer, no?" continued showing her clothes' new design. Mom still didn't look at her. I could see on her face as if she was reviving old problems that they had in the past. "At least, let me take care of my little brother, so you can go back to work… I'm a grown up, now".

"We know we can count on you, sweetie…" she turned to Alice and pet her hair. "Let's wait to your father and let's talk about it with him". I could not do anything more than looking at them. "Henry, are you interested in our conversation? Don't you want mommy taking care of you?" and she started playing with me. The bedroom mood went up with my giggles and laughs. Alice sat with us and played with me as well.

Dad arrived around the sunset. He was with Jonathan in his arms. Mom was cooking while I was wrapped in her chest like a kangaroo baby. She stopped and ran to check on Jonathan.

"What happened? Is he alright" she asked with worried voice. Alice was in a different room and came asking the same.

"He is just sleeping. I guess it was too much for him to handle in a single day" dad woke Jonathan up while putting him slowly on the ground. "We are home, buddy. It's time to wake up and get ready for dinner". Jonathan stood up on his feet, sleepy. Alice hugged dad welcoming him, and took Jonathan by his hand to another room, saying that they were going to shower.

"How was today? Has anything changed at all?" mom said with worries. Dad removed his shoes before getting in the house.

"Same chitty chat as always…" said with a deep breath. He looked tired, and mom tried to clean up his shoulders. He kissed her and looked at me with a goofy face, "How is my big boy? Daddy is dirty right now, but he is dying to hold you and kiss those chubby cheeks!" I giggled in response.

"I was talking with Alice" mom turned back to the stove, "She said she can take care of the baby, and I can get back to work in the village. Misses Hubson can stop by to check on them".

"Clarice, I told you we would be fine. I don't want to repeat what happened with Alice" said sitting on a chair by the table on the corner of the kitchen. "It's been more than 8 years we lived here, and it's your hometown. I dunno why they still see me as a foreigner" continued saying, grabbing an apple from a basket. "I bet they are still mad because I stole the beauty of the village". Mom's face was looking down to the stove, but I could see her face blushing. "Nevertheless, they need me. I'm the only one of the few around here who can read and write. Not only that, I am the only one who can also manage the talkings with higher-ups from Dearborn".

"I know… My husband is talented, and I am glad to be with you, but… if we keep like that, we won't have enough for the upcoming winter". I was looking at dad, making more goofy faces, but I could feel mom's chest getting colder in worry.

"Let's make a plan B, then" stood up and hugged mom from behind. "From tomorrow onwards, I'll start hunting, and in the afternoon take care of our farm. So, we can stock food for the winter, and probably sell the rest on the village's market". Mom was smiling with the suddenly hug. "We still have the entire summer and fall to get things on their shoes". I grabbed his beard, as I always did when I had a chance.

"Richard! You are all sweaty!" she pushed him away. Dad sniffed himself to check if he indeed smelled bad, and mom continued, "Your plan sounds great, but I am still planning to get back to work. With you more often at home, it will make things easier, and we should give Alice some responsibility". He nodded agreeing and went in the direction as my siblings went before.

Dad started staying more often at home. I used to see him in the early morning when mom was breastfeeding me, and then in the afternoon taking care of the farm. He used to carry a bow and a few dozen wooden arrows. At night, I remember him sculpting the arrows with a knife while talking to my siblings and mom. He even often sculpted little animals for my siblings.

The days started passing by fast. Maybe a few weeks after he started hunting.

"Richard, I think it's time for me to start working" said mom finish up dinner and setting the table. "I talked with Mrs. Hubson, and she said we can feed Henry with goat milk. Her goat had a baby recently, and she said she would give us milk in exchange for some jerk beef or firewood". Dad was an excellent hunter. He used to bring us meat every day to make jerk beef. The smell is still vivid in my memories. I bet Mrs. Hubson smelled them every single time whenever she came to visit mom.

"That old bag doesn't have many teeth left. She would probably die with jerk beef... So, I don't mind giving her some" said dad with an evil smile looking at my siblings. "I leave before sunrise, and what time are you planning to leave?" mom was serving him a rabbit soup that he caught earlier that day.

"She helped us a lot. You know, she helped me with all the kids. Don't say things like that. You should stop by some time to check on her as well. She is all by herself. Mister Hubson passed away two winters ago". Mom divided the bread with her hands and set a few pieces on the table. Mrs. Hubson used to visit mom to check on me, but also to grab some firewood. "I'll check with the forewoman tomorrow. I guess I will leave after the second bell. Can you stay with the kids? I think I will be back in the afternoon".

"Alright. I'll stay behind, checking on the farm. Alice will fetch some goat milk with Mrs. Hubson before you leave, and Jonathan and I will take care of the farm afterwards", dad looked at Alice and Jonathan while sharing his plans.