The Witches of Weston

Farming

I was the first to wake up in our group so I decided to explore the house a little bit. Moving over my sleeping companions I moved towards the entrance of the house but loud banging caught my attention.

Walking to the kitchen area I heard Mara and Simon chatting. Simon was the first to notice my arrival. "You're awake.  Did we wake you."

"No, I'm used to waking up at dawn working in the cornfields" I answered taking a seat with them at their table.

"That is good to hear for one so young. Where is this place you lived before you started your travels" Mara asked goodheartedly.

My face fell at the question even though it was innocent. "The place was named Weston and we specialize in crops like your tribe." Mentioning the village in the past tense hurt but I had to face the truth. Weston was gone and my home was in the past.

Seeing my fallen face Simon change the subject." Well since you are up maybe you  can help us gather food." Hearing that I felt better. Helping out I could give back to Mara and Simon for their kindness for assisting us.

"Okay" getting up from my seat when the boy's room door open. A sleepy eye Jordan came out looking at us.

"Jordan, did you have a goodnight sleep" I greeted hugging the boy as he nodded rubbing his eyes. "We're going outside do you want to come" knowing the boy was to energetic to be left on his own when the others were asleep.

"Yes" Jordan rushing outside before any of us. Laughing I followed the little wizard outside and realize the night didn't give any justice to Simon's property. Now in the morning I could  see the trees surrounding Simon's home were actually an orchard full of mangos, oranges, peaches and other fruits. A little herb garden set in the back of their house with strawberries, grapes and other things. Their property was amazing and sadly the supply here surpass Weston in quality and quantity.

"Let's get started Mara you and the boy can pick the fruit from the gardens. "instructed Simon. "Andy can help me with the orchard "Nodding the older woman took Jordan's hand and led him to the garden.

Simon walked to the trees of his property with me trailing behind. "Simon the quantity of food in your village is unbelievable did your family do all of this " I asked pointing to the orchards.

"Yes, my ancestor did all this with his two hands.   My family have been taking care of the orchards for generations "Simon touching every tree like it was his baby. Observing it I could understand his emotion. Growing something and nurturing it is one of the most awarding things a person can accomplish.

"That's a nice thing to hear . "I said meaning each word. "What can I do?" Excited to get to work and get my hands dirty again.

"Eager to work are we "grinned Simon as he patted my shoulder. Going over to a large apple tree he gathers several large baskets. "Pick the mangos and apples until the baskets are filled and then come to me for further instruction. "Simon looked at me like he expected me to disagree or refused. But he didn't know the Andy Miller who worked the fields of Weston sun up to sun down.

"Yes sir, " I said smiling as Simon only shook his head and went to  the peach trees and started his own picking. I went to work on the mango tree first climbing on a ladder  and picked from the middle. I knew the better fruit was there from my father's lesson. I couldn't help but feel good about working in the crops and remembering the happier times in Weston.

Humming to myself I did not realize I finish the mango tree in less than an hour. Grinning I was back in my groove and made quick work of the apple trees. Feeling proud I wiped off the sweat from my brow and went to find Simon. The older man was in the peach orchard only a meter away finishing with his own trees.