The Sky Never Ends

Flightless Bird

Harvest season had fully arrived, the men were tallying up all of their inventory, looking stressed as ever. Working in the fields would not be a priority anymore, it was now time get their profits then prepare for a harsh winter. Warren, Sam, and Noah were the only ones who had experienced what an Oregon winter was like, and they were sure to over estimate what they would need. There were piles of furs to make coats and blankets, what seemed like a never ending supply of firewood, and all the houses had another layer of insulation added to the exteriors. The harvested crops were either stored in the root cellar or put in wooden crates. Salted meat was strung from tree to tree curing. It was surprising how much the whole family had gotten a lot done in a such short amount of time. Today, the men would take their items to barter to the merchant, and return with some necessities that they could not grow or acquire on their own. 

It would be only Warren and Noah leaving this morning, everyone else would stay behind. 

The entire family had settled into a somewhat smooth routine. There would be a somewhat drastic change in their routine sooner than later as they had new needs to deal with. 

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After Warren and Noah left for the merchant, the women of the family were asked to gather inside Warren and Eleonora's home in the living room. Sam and Elizabeth asked them to come together as they had something to tell them. Selah wondered what it would be, she hadn't had the chance to spend much time with Sam in the past months so she hadn't any guesses, they'd all been wrapped up in their daily life. She hadn't had a conversation with Sam or Noah in what felt like months, but her conversations with Mae and the other women, and her many tasks made up for it and kept her occupied. 

"Well... we're not one hundred percent positive yet, but Ma, do you remember a few weeks ago when I asked you if you had a recipe for remedy for a stomach bug?"

"Yes, son, I do..." she stared at him incredulously.

"We don't think its a stomach bug... we think it's a child and she was having bedside sickness. We're not one hundred percent about it, but the signs are there, we believe Elizabeth is expecting!" Sam exclaimed.

His mother leaped up and grabbed the couple into a hug, Mae joined in the hug, and Selah called out her congratulations from where she was sitting with a gleaming smile on her face. Clara on the other hand was very quiet, Selah seemed to be the only one that had noticed, the family was still wrapped around Elizabeth and Sam. 

Clara stared out blankly and looked like there were tears brimming in her eyes. Selah's smile faltered.

Selah reached out her hand and placed it on Clara's knee. She had a sleeping Oliver cradled in her arms. "Are you alright, Clara?"

Clara turned to look at Selah abruptly, and quickly put a cheery smile on her face. "Huh? Oh me, of course... I'm fine. What wonderful news..." she said half heartedly, her tone betrayed her. "Congratulations." she called out in a half whisper. 

"Clara, do you want to start on some supper with me? I'm sure everyone will appreciate it." Selah asked trying to find a good excuse for Clara to be able to leave. Clara nodded. Before they left Selah told the couple how happy she was for them, and mentioned to Elizabeth how much Sam expressed his joy for being a father all these months. Elizabeth hugged her and thanked her, overwhelmed with happy emotions. 

Clara was already headed back to her own home by the time Selah left the house.

When Selah walked through the door, Oliver was no longer in Clara's arms, she assumed she put him to bed, and Clara was weeping at the table. Sobs tearing through her body.