The Orchard

Lewis lay with the sheets sprawled all around him as he stared up at the ceiling, dreading having to get himself out of the bed. The sunlight bled into his room from the far window as he closed his eyes again, hoping that would be enough to block it out.

"Lewis!" He jerked himself up as he was called from downstairs by his father. "Come and get breakfast before it gets cold." Making his way down to the kitchen, he was greeted by the larger man who was dressed nicer than he normally would. Daniel stood no more than a foot taller than his son, sporting a greying beard along with golden-brown hair that had lightened under the summer sun a few months back. He was cooking eggs and toast.

"Mornin' Dad," Lewis spoke between a yawn that had crept up on him.

"Mornin' son." Daniel motioned to the empty chair on the far end of the small dining table. "Should be done soon." Lewis walked over to the seat next to the window and sat down looking out into the farm. The apple trees began to glisten in the sun as the morning dew dripped off the ripening fruits. As his eyes glossed over the landscape, they fell to the small plot of the orchard. Tree stumps surrounded the dark brown and withering trees. Daniel wandered over with two made up plates in his hands and paused at the table, looking in the same direction at the land of decaying plants.

"Hey," he called to his son before placing the plate of food down in front of him. "Breakfast. Eat up." He placed a hand onto Lewis's shoulder, who shuddered at the physical contact and lightly brushed his Dad off.

"Thanks," he softly responded as he turned to the plate and began eating away at the perfectly cooked eggs.

"You're worried about those trees again aren't cha?" Daniel asked as he sat opposite Lewis and began eating his own breakfast.

"I mean yeah, aren't you?" he asked as he flicked a hand towards his Dad. "I just don't understand why we don't just cut them down completely. It just feels a little cruel." Lewis slouched back onto his chair and crossed his arms, looking back to the dying plants.

"I get that, but we don't know what's makin' those trees die. Can't risk cutting them down and it being a disease that then spreads to the rest of the orchard." Silence sunk into the kitchen apart from the sounds of metal utensils hitting ceramic plates.

Daniel washed up dishes while Lewis sat on the back porch. An open book sat on his lap as he blankly stared at the plot of land. The wind wisped his hair into his face and blew dry leaves off the trees. With hands deep in grimy water, Daniel looked at his reflection for a few seconds, thinking about what to do next. He unplugged the drain and grabbed a tea towel to dry his hands. As he did, he stepped outside and leaned against the door frame.

"So," he said, snapping Lewis out of his gaze. He turned to his Dad who continued to wipe his hands dry. "I'll be going into the city tonight for some business. Be gone for a week or so, depending on how annoying things will be." He took a deep breath. Lewis arched further towards him, leaning up against the arm of the outside couch. "I'm trusting you to take care of everything while I'm away." Lewis opened his mouth to say something but was interjected by Daniel raising his hand. "I know this is a bit of a longer trip but it's nothing you can't handle, and yes I'm sure you're worried about the trees, but you'll be fine you have the Johnsons numbers so call them if you need anything." Lewis closed his mouth and darted his eyes from his Dad to the ground and back.

"You going to see Uncle Jeffrey?" Daniel noted the shakiness of Lewis's pupils. He raised a brow before answering.

"Yeah mate," he peered down, attempting to decipher some message he felt Lewis was sending. "He's a free stay compared to a hotel or something. Why'd cha ask?"