'West was the Dream.' Geonhak x Reader

Chapter 7 - Continuation

She thought hard about the boy that visited them only for a short time but the time was special to her. She thought a lot about the things that left her, they both nursed the bird and when it was ready it flew away, its whereabouts unknown but she imagines it had made its nest and maybe even had a family. Like the bird, Geonhak also left her. He had his own dreams and followed them, it made her somewhat jealous. She only ever grew up here and never had the chance to travel, these big empty golden fields suddenly felt suffocating and stale, too small of a place for her.

What was her dream? What did she want to do? Geonhak was all she could think of, his smile invaded her mind for the next few hours since the wagon of men left. If she ever wanted to see him again it would be impossible, even knowing which direction he travels it would take a lot of patience and asking around in hopes she could find him.
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Mary noticed her daughter seemed more sullen now and she had an idea for the reason. She watched as y/n did her daily chores more slowly and regretted letting this happen.

The day went by quietly before the sounds of horses and wagon wheels grew from the distance. She knew it to be her dad, finally back from town with food and resources along for the ride in replacement of the men. He would bring back everything they needed for winter to keep warm and for the animals to survive. Y/n didn't bother following her mom outside, there was nothing in that wagon for her, it was just ropes, tools, and more chicken feed. She stayed inside, listening to the rocking of the wagon over the dirt and rocks.
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They arrived into town and stopped in the middle of the large dusty road, the men hopped out of their wooded seats, boots hitting the ground. The town was as lively as ever, bustling with busy farmers and ranchers. Dogs barked as they played with kids, a hefty laughter and piano can be heard from the saloon across the way.

John: 'Well it was nice of you boys to come round and work for us, if ya are in the area in spring maybe I'll hire y'all again next time. Well I'll be seein ya.'

He tips his hat to them as they all went their own ways, some of them wandering into the saloon for a well earned drink and entertainment from the lovely dancers on the stage.

'Sir?' A questioning voice came from his side where the boy still stood.

'Why're ya still here? Shouldn't you be headin that way? The wagon train should be comin by within the week so get on and move along.' John put a hand on his hip and pointed westward.

'Well. That's the problem, I'm... not so sure about that plan anymore.' Geonhak spoke, uncertain how to explain, he became quiet and stopped to think hard about what he should say to the girls father.

'Boy, yur waistin my time, I have things ta do.'
John begins to turn around and walk away with his cane.

'No! Wait. I...' He grabbed the mans shoulder, stopping him. He then spoke loud and clear.

GH: 'Sir. I would like to stay with you and your family. I can stay in the barn, I will do any job you need me to and I can return my payment if you~'

'Are ya crazy? My family don't need another person ta feed and keep warm. Look, I heard the more money ya get the further west you'll go, so here.' John pulls a few more bills and hands it forward.

'Take this extra money and go as far as ya like.'

GH: '... but... you were fine with Samuel staying.' The realization cut him deeply, his eyes shifted with hurt. He doesn't reach for the offered cash.

'Boy, I only allowed him the offer cus I knew he'd be capable of makin a livin of his own soon after winter is passed and he would be takin care of my daughter just as well as I have so he would be less trouble than you.'

Geonhak was almost speechless but he pushed through the pain.

GH: 'That's exactly what I plan to do.'

John paused for a moment, he knew the young man was close with his daughter but he didn't expect to be asked to keep the him around for the cold season.

John: 'Listen here. You still got things to learn before anyone trusts you to make yur own living, especially before anyone trusts their daughter to go with you. Ya have to be useful, not a burden. That is what my pa taught me and what I will teach to you. I admit yur crops were done good but I can tell yur family have never raised any farmland so I have my doubts of you.'

'Please. I'll do anything you need, I will learn what I have to. I will build my own cabin and manage the cattle for you, teach me everything you need me to know, I can be useful.'

He begs and John sighs.

'Fine. If ya cause trouble I'll send ya on yur way, no horse no wagon, you will have to walk to town and find yur own way out of here. I know ya haven't done too badly on yur jobs and I know it wasn't you that let that horse to escape.'

Geonhak froze, surprised to hear the information.
'Sir, you know... that I didn't do it?'

John: 'One uh the other boys mentioned somethin to me, about Sam bein the last one in the barn and didn't seem to mind a loose horse wandering out the door. Well, I suppose if yur stickin around then you can help me with buyin and gatherin things I need to take home. Don't disappoint me alright? Oh and you can keep yur payment.'

John dealt with purchasing all his resources and Geonhak was more than happy to lift and carry everything to the wagon even when it hurt a little more on his sore muscles.

'That looks good. Don't worry about things being stolen or anythin, the people in this town won't commit any thievery and if any stranger tries they will be called out.' John said, standing beside the pile of things.

Once the job was done John wandered into one more shop full of ornaments and decorative things, Geonhak curiously followed him inside.

'This store is popular with the women that come by here, I plan ta use the last of my money on gifts for my family.'

'Gifts?'

'Mhmmm. My daughters birthday will be comin soon but I also want ta buy Mary somethin to raise her spirits when the weather gets dark. Or maybe.. somethin to keep her warm.'

John picks up a soft shawl and looks it over, he found the clothing a good choice and carried it to the shop owner. Geonhak stood by and noticed a glass item, clear and pristine. It glistened with the sunlight that came into the building, he picked it up, remembering the girl.