Take Me Home

16. Leaving

The day went on, passing quickly as the sun did its routine. Soon it was setting and Freya grabbed another apple from the pantry, sneaking it to Axel and leaving whenever the moon began to rise. She went to bed and woke up again, earlier than everybody else, changing into a new dress and placing her hair up in another bun. She washed her clothes on the rack they used to scrub it and hung them up to dry outside. Then, she went back inside to find breakfast, finding a spare loaf of bread and tearing it for Axel. She checked up on him throughout the rest of the day and the two had a good time talking and laughing together. Axel was always reading that dictionary and Freya noticed his English improving.

Roger didn't show up that day, much to Freya's relief. She didn't want to have to deal with that right now. As the sun rose, she fed the animals and cleaned out the kitchen and stole a little piece of cooked chicken they had bought and gave it to Axel. He had lit up when he had tasted it, swallowing it and smiling as he had the meat.

Throughout the day, things were pretty normal. Her grandparents began packing for their trip, grandpa riding into town to tell Evan about the plan. Evan had agreed to check in. Grandpa and Mr. Smith, owner of the local bank, had agreed to let Grandpa borrow his car to drive to the train station. They began loading bags into the back and preparing for the trip.

Another day passed, and it was time for her grandparents to leave.

"Are you sure that you'll be okay by yourself?" Grandpa asked, his eyes holding a gentle concern as he helped Grandma into the car.

"I'll be fine. Trust me." Freya replied, hugging him.

"Well, stay safe. Don't do anything stupid. Love you." They rode off, stirring up dust from the wheels of the car as they disappeared.

She would be home alone for two and a half weeks.

But, she wouldn't be alone.

She had Axel.