Endless Sea

Chapter 8: Returning Home

They stopped at the post office, not far from home. "You can find your way back?" Euphemia asked.

Howard nodded, getting out of the carriage. "Thank you Mrs. Sapping!" he said gratefully, he attempted to give her his shillings but she refused to take them, simply riding off in the carriage after wishing Howard safe travels. Howard watched her go, before beginning to walk the rest of the way home.

"Anna?" Howard stuck his head in the door, he stepped inside. Walking to his mother's bedroom and gently shaking her awake.

Nimet lifted her head, half asleep. "Ezrah?" she asked, calling Howard by his middle name.

"I missed you," Howard said, crawling into bed with her.

"What do you mean?" Questioned Nimet.

He paused, did his mother not even notice he was gone? Howard sat up, looking at her with a saddened expression. "Nothing, anna," he mumbled. "What do you want for lunch?"

Nimet told Howard what she wanted, before going to cook. Howard stood in the kitchen with a sad look on his face, his eyes droopy as he felt overcome with disappointment. He didn't want his mother to worry for him, but wish she did care a little bit or at least even notice. Howard brought his mother some soup then went outside to the market to buy some food for the week, taking his father's wallet with him.

Howard walked down the street in his large brown jacket, not many people were out since it was Church hours. He went to a shop nearby which he knew would be open, buying some mutton and vegetables from the tall man who ran it. He paid and thanked the man for the food, before running off home.

He took the empty bowl from Nimet's bedside, bringing it to the sink as he heard the front door open. Howard turned around, standing on a step stool as he washed dishes. Howard jumped off, walking out of the kitchen and into the Livingroom. He saw Howie and Hugh were back from yet another trip, talking to some other men. Howard recognized one as Darby McLeod, who was Hugh's friend. The other he didn't know. Howard hated when Darby came over, he was always weird and creepy.

Soon after Howard made dinner for everyone, he wasn't allowed to eat at the table with Hugh. So he sat in the Livingroom. The Livingroom, main hallway, and entry room were all on the same level while the Dining room and Kitchen were in the same room and on a different level, the entry to them was through the kitchen up just four steps. It was only a slight shift in levels, but Howard thought it was neat.

Howard sat on said steps, hugging his knees as he heard the adults speak over dinner.

"So, when is Howard going to get a better job and make more money." Asked Hugh, putting some steak into his mouth.

Howie paused before replying, "Not any time soon I'd assume, he hasn't been to school."

Hugh furrowed his large brows. "Then put him into school," said Hugh.

"Father, he can't." Howie sighed. "He can't read, he can't write, he hardly even talks to other people. His current job is fine."

He smacked his fist on the table, making Nimet flinch. "I'M TIRED OF SENDING MONEY HOME WHEN THEY RUN OUT! HE NEEDS A BETTER JOB!" Snarled Hugh, "THAT BOY IS BY FAR THE BIGGEST DISGRACE TO THIS FAMILY-"

"I know but father-"

"I MEAN HOW CAN HE BE SO STUPID? HARDLY ABLE TO READ!" Hugh continued to shout,

Howard found himself beginning to cry as he hugged his knees tighter. He knew they were talking about him, and it made him feel terrible.

Howie sighed, "I know, very disappointing father." He muttered with shame.