Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

We'll Be Fine

     It was far too hot that day for Thomas to justify going out back in his livery for a smoke. Especially when he now had his own space to do whatever he wanted. Yet, he did it anyway. Perhaps for old time's sake, definitely for the chance to get away from everything and have a cigarette. But, when he went to take his usual place on the wall, he found the spot already taken.

    Theodore's arm was propped up at the elbow to hold his own cigarette about an inch or two away from his lip. The young man was staring off into the distance, yet he still stepped over to make space for Thomas next to him. Thomas took that spot, pulling his cigarette pack out of his pocket. Wordlessly, Theodore took a drag and pulled a lighter out of his pocket. Thomas' lighter.

     "I borrowed it. Hopes that's alright."

     "Just this once," Thomas replied as a joke, though he knew both of them were lacking the mood to continue it. He took his lighter back, using it to light his cigarette before putting it into his own pocket.

     Thomas and Theodore lifted their cigarettes to their lips, both leaning their head back against the wall as they each took a drag. Once Thomas had taken what he deemed the right amount of time to let the smoke reach his nerves, he turned to his son.

     "When did you start this habit, then?"

     "Dansworth got me on it months ago," his son admitted, staring at the burning end of his cig. "But a lot of people do it on campus. It's a vice, we know, but we're all stressed, and at least it's not as bad for you as drinking."

     Thomas hummed, nodding along.

     "Speaking of Dansworth, how is he? He's the one who called you before I went up, right?"

     "Yeah. Danny's doing alright. Good as he can be," Teddy replied. "Are you able to get July eighth off?"

     Thomas considered the question, trying to remember if there was any sort of event occurring that day.

     "It might be possible. Why?"

     "It's Monty's birthday. Dansworth is planning this day at the beach for all of us, families included. I'd like it if you could come, but they get the nature of your work, so if you can't-"

     "I'll see what I can do."

    Theodore closed his eyes, head still resting against the wall as he dropped the end of his cigarette on the ground. "Thank you."

     As Thomas watched his son, eying the worry lines on his forehead that he was far too young to have, he found himself believing that there was more to this birthday event than Teddy was saying—more to whatever Dansworth had said on the phone. But now was not the time to ask him for those answers—not here.

     "Even if I can't get it off, you should go."

     "I know. I am going."

     "Good."

     Abigail smoothed out her purple skirt as she eyed the clock on her wall. Alice had done her hair quickly, which she had to appreciate given the time crunch. Truly, she should have been getting ready sooner, but the Wilsons had asked her to watch Grace for them while they went to some meeting for local farmers, and she was not about to say no. That girl was a sweetheart, a curious soul with a million questions, and Abi loved every single one. It was a wonderful feeling to contribute to the growing knowledge of a child.

    Abi looked in the mirror one last time, then, smiling to herself, turned and stepped out of the room. At a quick pace, she made her way down the hall and to the stairs, heading down them just as the front door was opened by Edward, accompanied by their dear friend.