What We Trade Our Hearing For (a North and South Story)

28. Thread

"A hint of light in the dark

But only enough to keep from giving up

If I could go back to the start

To break the pattern forming between us"

-Now Now

Maggie

It was shaping up to be a gorgeous spring, the warmth a welcome change from the frigid winter that had seemed to stretch on forever. Maggie had taken to basking in the sun, sitting on the window seat that overlooked the street. She was quieter than normal, seeming to sink into herself since she'd come back to Boston. Everyone was worried about her.

"I just wish she would cheer up," Eden murmured to Henry as they sat watching Maggie from across the room. "It's been 3 months now! I've hardly seen her smile. You know Max and I would love for you two to get back together." She sighed. "Well, Mr. Bell is supposed to be coming for a visit soon. Maybe he can cheer her up."

Mr. Bell arrived later that week, and he had a plan. "Oh, Bell, do you really want to go?" Maggie cried when he told her of his idea. It was the first real smile any of them had seen in months.

"Of course. I was just sitting on the plane, wondering what we can do to entertain ourselves. The weather is so lovely, I thought it would be a perfect time to visit Helstone. Does that sound good?" Mr. Bell smiled at his goddaughter, relishing in the happiness he saw in her face.

Clapping her hands together, Maggie beamed. "When can we go? Tomorrow?" She seemed absolutely thrilled; Henry looked on, jealous that he couldn't make her smile like that.

They drove out to the countryside the next day, windows down and warm air blowing in the trees. The flowers were blooming everywhere, painting the soft hills with vibrant colors. They passed through the small town nearest Maggie's childhood home, pulling memories up with every sight they went by. Finally, they pulled up to Maggie's old house.

The new owners had made a few major changes. The extensive garden, so lovingly tended by the Hale's early in their marriage, was gone, replaced with open fields. Even so, Maggie could imagine her parents sitting on the porch as the loved to do in the spring, listening to the birds and enjoying the warmth after a long winter. She could almost hear her mother's laughter, watching her children play in the garden.

Instead of her parents, she saw strangers come out on the porch as Maggie and Mr. Bell approached the house. The homeowners smiled as Mr. Bell explained why there were there, welcoming them to come and sit, and offering them refreshments.

"We had to make some improvements," the wife, Mrs. Lewis, said as they sat drinking lemonade. "Well, alterations, I mean. We have seven children."

Maggie's eyebrows shot up at that. "Oh yes, of course," she said. "It's just a shame that the roses are gone."

If Mrs. Lewis caught the sadness in her voice, she chose to ignore it. "Well, the children must have a place to play. Fresh air is good for the mind and the soul, brings you closer to God."

"Ah yes, so much better than all that book learning," Mr. Bell smirked.

The sarcasm passed over the homeowners' heads. "Exactly. That's why we homeschool the children. Everyone needs to get back to the simple things in life. Forget about all the unimportant things, intellectualism, liberal arts type education.," Mr. Lewis said, sitting forward.

Narrowing her eyes, Maggie frowned. "You mean art and music. Like my father taught."

"Oh, no!" Mr. Lewis turned a bit red at her words. "I mean, yes, in a way. We try to keep things simple."