Slowly Picking Up The Pieces

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A week had passed since Jonas and Rosalinde were running the farm on their own. Although they worked tirelessly from dusk till dawn, the paddocks were becoming filthy with manure. The animals were running out of feed. And the crops weren't sprouting. A sense of dread loomed over Rosalinde and her brother. Although they had a new sense of hope, for Mr. Augustin had finally gotten up out of bed. But he wasn't the same. He still hardly spoke and when he did his voice was almost inaudible. He spent most of his time at Mrs. Augustin's grave, occasionally helping around the farm. "Papa?" Rosalinde called to her father who was kneeling by the willow tree. The grave was adorned with a circle of calla lilies that were slowly starting to wilt, and a solid rock lied in the center. "Lunch is ready." Her soft voice spoke quietly. Rosalinde learned some cooking from her mother, but no meal would be the same without her. The two walked back to the house without saying a word, the midday breeze gently rustling the trees. Jonas sat at the wooden table, his father taking a seat across from him. Rosalinde stirred the steaming pot of potato stew hanging above the hearth's fire. Carefully pouring the stew into three bowls. The stew was thick with chunks of chopped and skinned potatoes. Rosalinde did the best she could with the limited supply of food they had left from that weeks shipment to the landlord.

"I'm sorry it's not much." Rosalinde said as she set the bowls on each place at the table. "No need to apologize, you did good." Mr. Augustin said in his gravelly tone. He gave her a small forced smile while resting his hand on her head. Rosalinde smiled back. The three held each other's hand and lowered their heads for their father to lead the blessing.

"Bless Rosa for making this meal and thank you, Barbatos, for my two incredible children." He squeezed both Rosalinde and Jonas' hands. "Thank you Barbatos for all that you do. Amen." "Amen." For a short time, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt happy. Though the seat where Mrs. Augustin used to sit remained vacant, they still silently enjoyed their lunch. Maybe they could be a happy family once more. Things were beginning to look better for the three. And the farm was slowly going back to normal.

The three returned back onto the farm after lunch. Rosalinde tied the ends of her dress above her knees and rolled up her sleeves, for she was heading to clean the paddocks. She grabbed her shovel and set it in the wheelbarrow and pushed it past the gate. Rosalinde scrunched her nose at the sight of the ground, covered in thick mud and manure. Although this sight may make an ordinary person turn away, Rosalinde was in good spirits and eager to get to work. Working filled the silence in her heart and made her feel accomplished. And so, tightening her grip on the rake she shoved it into the ground. "Hugh" she raised the shovel full of manure almost falling back from the weight. And with all her might, dumped into the wheelbarrow. Jonas was passing by and caught sight of her struggle. "Uuuh, you sure you don't want to do something else?" "I'm sure!" Rosalinde retaliated. Jonas huffed. "Okay, help yourself." He said while shrugging and walking off. "Why do they always think I'm not capable of doing anything?" Rosalinde said annoyingly to herself as she dumped another shovel full into the barrel. She didn't seem aware of her own size, age, and stature apparently. And those who were aware always assumed less of her. Rosalinde was the only girl left on the farm and not only was she occupied with her farming duties, she too had to take on the duties her mother once had. Although Rosalinde did struggle with one thing to uphold from her mother, and that was her mother's faith in the god of freedom. Rosalinde's faith seems to be slowly crumbling since her mother's death. But right now, Rosalinde had more important things to focus on in life.

Scoop and dump, scoop and dump, she continued the rest of the day without stopping. "Scoop and dump! That's the last of it." Rosalinde said to herself while letting out an exhale. Taking in the sight of her hard work, the paddock was back to normal. She was very happy that their horse finally had a tidy home. "See? I am capable." Rosalinde said out loud as if she were talking to Jonas who was on the other side of the farm.

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