Heading to Mrs Hubson's House

"Gods of the heaven and the pillar of the creation, goddess of water Daeva, goddess of the wind Faythe, and god of light Ahdarr. We humble servants and your children thank for the body of the living, whose life was taken to give us its strength to win over the elements; the plants, which won over the god of Earth through thy blessings to give us nourishment to stand another day. Shall they dispel the sickness and hunger in our family. Praise be to the gods". This was my first time awake until dinnertime. I had never seen dad giving such a lengthy pray to the gods. The four held their hands with closed eyes, but I noticed something strange. A contour line made of a faint greenish light moved from dad to my siblings, and then to my mom, me, and it finally vanished. I felt calm and relaxed. My family was also affected, but they didn't bother or maybe hadn't even noticed it.

"Mom, dad said I could go with you next time you visit the village" said Alice, holding a cup of water. Then, she continued, "You are going tomorrow which means I will go with you, right?" Dad was half mouth full. He knew he was in trouble. I could see in his worried eyes looking at mom. Mom, meanwhile, didn't say anything or show any facial expression until it was done gulping all the food in her mouth.

"I am not going to the village at my pleasure" said, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. Alice was ready to counterattack, but mom continued with a monotone, "I will allow you to come with me. I think it's time for you to visit the workshop". Dad looked confused at her. He wasn't expecting it at all, neither Alice nor Jonathan. "You will have to follow me and listen carefully what I will tell you. Otherwise, you will stay here. Do you understand?" she finished, putting her hand on the table. Alice nodded, but she was about to explode in happiness.

"I understood, mom. You will not regret of this decision". Alice replied, contenting herself, but we all could see the table shaking with her excitement. Jonathan didn't want to stay behind. He also wanted to show his parents he had also grown like big sister.

"Jonathan, you, Henry and I will have boy's day tomorrow. I don't think you will like all the chatting about needles, lines and all that stuff. We'll work hard to keep the farm in great shape to give the girls nice vegetables". Dad said it while petting Jonathan's head. My brother stuffed his chest proudly of having a job.

"Richard, I was wondering if Jonathan can have his first job by himself" mom added. "Mrs. Hubson always needs help. He would help her in the morning and help you in the afternoon" she continued with an evil smile. "Alice is going with me, and we can make tomorrow's a good future appendices' day with Jonathan's as well. I also don't think I'll be able to get back before evening. Alice and I might consider sleeping at the workshop".

"What?! Why all this all suddenly?" trying taking a breath after several strikes from mom.

"It's just for the sake of our children, of course". Mom finished. "I told Mrs. Hubson about this possibility already. She will be waiting us tomorrow after second bell". Now dad was completely defeated. Mom seemed to know what he was thinking and gave a last blast, "Do you think Mrs. Hudson and I gossip all day long? Of course not. We have our matters to discuss on". Dad put his spoon away and cover his face with his two hands. He was disbelieved what just happened. Alice and Jonathan looked confused.

"Gods, please, at least, don't make Clarice look like that old-fart when she gets old". Mom didn't reply to him, but she gave a victorious smile. She was certainly miles ahead of him. Soon the dinner was over and everyone headed to bed.

The day started earlier than it used to be. Dad was the only one who used to get up before the sunrise, but this time, all my family was awake. Everyone was getting ready to leave. Mom, Alice and Jonathan took turns to look after me. That entire event was interesting for me.

"Mom, is Henry a weirdo?" said Jonathan, pointing at me. "He is watching us all the time. Look!" Jonathan giving a step to the left and then to the right. I turned my head slowly and kept my eyes on him, whatever direction he went. "See?"

"He is just a curious baby. I'm glad I have a curious brother rather than a pooper, like someone I know…" Alice came to my aid. Mom and dad laugh. Jonathan stomped in reply. He was mad at Alice.

"Kids, we are almost ready. Please, double check what mom asked you to carry along" said dad carrying a large bag of jerk beef. "Clarice, isn't too much jerk beef to take to the village? Do the folks over there actually like them?" Dad had a sad face, hugging the bag.

"Of course. Don't be sad. You jerk beef will also find happy families" said mom joking. "It will give us enough coins to buy newer fabrics. Alice said she wants to make new Henry's clothes". Mom gave a gentle smile towards Alice, who responded clapping. "Let's get our breakfast ready and leave. We can eat and walk. Mrs. Hubson lives by the pathway to the village, but we still need to walk carrying all the weight. It's better to do it slowly". Therefore, we departed to Mrs. Hubson's house.

The path to the village was an opening between trees and grass. It was made of hard soil. I don't know how long we walked, because I ended up sleeping. When we left home, the sun was rising, and the bell could be heard from far. Now, the sun was already in the sky, and the second bell was ringing, but a bit louder.

"Mrs. Hubson, I think it's time for us to leave". Mom said, finishing a cup of tea. "As we have been talking, my husband agreed to help you alongside Jonathan today. I think two might get the job done faster, right, Richard?" said, looking at dad. Mrs. Hubson's house was full of weeds and tall grass. Mom must have guessed that Jonathan would not handle it by himself. Dad scratched his head and confirmed what mom just said. Mom passed me over to Mrs. Hubson and put her huge hat on. "I am not sure if I'll come back today, because the workshop might have work to do. So, Richard, if we don't arrive by tomorrow fourth bell, please, come and check on us in the village". She kissed Jonathan and me on the cheek. She looked at Jonathan's eye and continued, saying, "My three men will be alright. Mom will be right back with some snacks for you all. I am so proud of you. I'll let you on command here, Jonathan". Then, mom turned to dad for a last kissed. We stood by the fence at the front's door garden and wave to mom, and to Alice, who was walking behind her. After they disappear behind the trees, Mrs. Hubson showed dad where the tools were, and they started working.