Obadiah

Twelve

The ride to Guinevere's cottage was short and silent.

Guinevere felt no need to fill the silence, as her mind was unfortunately stuck on Mrs. Delores's words.

There were a few times when she was rendered speechless, and this was one of them.

What kept her silent was the truth that rang loudly in her mind.

If Mrs. Delores's words didn't hold weight, Guinevere would've been able to brush them off.

Instead, they lingered.

They were settled in the most unnerving way.

Still, Guinevere was going to pretend that her mind was quieted and proceed with the lesson with Obadiah.

She would have to settle the accusation later.

It was an accusation.

Even if-

"I'll make some tea," She said suddenly and exited the wagon with her children quickly.

Obadiah watched her scramble and disappear into the house without another word.

Strange.

Her silence was strange.

She talked a lot.

He shrugged and unhitched his horses.

Something unsettled him.

Once again, it was strange.

He thought of Guinevere, small as she was, taking the walk to her cottage from town with her children.

Didn't she grow tired?

Did Isaiah have to walk even if he was tired, as it seemed he was today?

She didn't complain about having to walk. She just did it.

But she was dainty.

If the wind blew too hard, he was sure she would tumble over.

Just as he thought of the bees during a storm, he now wondered how Guinevere fared in the rain with her little ones.

He never liked to see a problem without having the means to fix it. Thankfully, he could meet the need.

He tied the horses loosely near a water trough and walked back to the house.

It was quiet.

He pushed open the door and found no children.

Guinevere moved fast.

The door closed behind him making her squeak.

"Oh, my," She shook her head and turned on the stove. "Please, take a seat and I'll bring the kettle once the water is hot,"

She was fine.

She wouldn't think of what Mrs. Delores said.

If she didn't think of it, she would make it through this afternoon splendidly.

Though Obadiah gave no answer, his heavy steps spoke for him.

She wiped her palms on her dress and came to the table. "I wasn't sure what you were up for today, but I was thinking you could review some words and try a few of the others I assigned before,"

She was fine.

And it was true.

Mrs. Delores was silly for assuming.

Obadiah shook his head with a grunt. "I, uh, learned them. With the papers you gave me with letters and the sounds you taught me." He confessed lowly.

Guinevere's heart jumped with joy. "Wonderful! You're an excellent student, Obadiah," She took a seat and thought.