SPLINTER

Ep 4: Ghosts of Albright Acres

Pike

“I can’t remember the last time I ate so well.” I dabbed my napkin across my mouth then set it to the side of my plate. “A fine homecoming meal, Ellie.”

“Well, thank you. I’d better leave some out for Al. Lord knows he’ll need it after a trip to The Admiral’s.” She laughed to herself as she gathered the dishes.

In the dim light of the old oil lamps, she looked as beautiful as ever, yet a tiredness rested on her face. Her smile, so alive, but her eyes, sad and heavy. No doubt from the burden of running the farm in our absence. I stacked my plate with dirty utensils and headed to the kitchen.

“Pike Samuel Albright, what do you think you’re doing?”

“What’s it look like I’m doing? I’m helping you clear the table.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Ellie reached over to take the dishes from me. “It isn’t your place.”

I clenched my jaw and tightened my grip around the silver-trimmed china. “I know it isn’t, but it’s the least I can do after everything you’ve done for us. Keeping the farm going. Caring for Maddie.”

“Well, you can resume the duties of running the farm and leave me to the simple task of setting and clearing the table.” Her eyes sparkled with pleased resistance.

“Oh, let him carry a load, Ellie.” Ms. Mae entered the dining room, carrying a small basin draped with a damp cloth. “But don’t let the others see him.” She winked.

I flashed a satisfied grin. “One load won’t hurt anything. Besides, with the outcome of the war, I’d better learn how to do the simple tasks, in case you decide to move on.”

Ellie rolled her eyes and half-smiled. “It would take more than carrying a load of dishes for you to have any idea what it takes to run this household. No, in good conscious, I couldn’t leave you to fend for yourself. For Maddie’s sake anyway.”

I followed her and Mae into the kitchen, wherein Ellie took my stack and placed them in the sink. Mae filled the basin with clean water and rinsed the cloth.

“How’s she doing, Mae?” I asked.

“Madeline?”

I nodded.

Mae replaced the cloth over the lip of the bowl. “As well as she can be, I suppose. She has her bouts, some worse than others. The fever comes and goes.”

I pressed my lips together as I stood in solemn thought. “Any idea what’s wrong with her?”

“The Doc didn’t say. But I’m sure she’s just worn out after seeing you and Mr. Al home.”

“You’re probably right. I’ll come say good night.” I turned to Ellie. “Do you mind?”

Ellie smiled softly. “Of course not. She needs you.”

Mae lead the way as we circled back through the dining room in route to Maddie’s room. Something thumped and rolled across the floor above us, a toy, no doubt. As we climbed the stairs, the tinkling chimes of a music box filled the air.

“Sounds like she’s feeling better,” I mused.

Mae chuckled. “Mmmhmmm. Takes more than a fever to keep her away from her playthings, especially at bedtime.”

When we reached Maddie’s room, Mae tapped on the door and pushed it open. The room was dark, but moonlight streamed through the window, highlighting a child’s table piled with drawings, a rocking horse, and the dollhouse Pa had built—a miniature replica of Albright Acres. The horse gently swayed, a sign someone had been riding it.