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“No, little bird. I meant the bushes surrounding my land. The garden as well, if they could get to it. So I traded them for a new flock of chickens and some fruit trees.”
“Trade? I thought you said you didn’t see anyone.”
“I don’t. There’s a kind of informal network for trading amongst the families that live at the southern end of the swamp, outside of town. You leave a note stating what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to trade. Jimmy, one of the local fishermen, carries the messages around. You don’t usually end up with exactly what you wanted, but it works. I leave the messages and goods at night, at a meeting place a good distance from here.”
“How interesting. I’ve never heard of it before.”
“I think most of the people involved prefer to keep to themselves.”
“Do you think this Jimmy could find me a few more clothes? I don’t have anything to trade but I have a little money… Oh, my God, my money! - it was in the pocket of my jeans.”
“I know,” he said calmly. “I found it when I was washing them and put it to one side. It’s quite safe, but it’s not accepted on the trading network.”
Her face fell and he couldn’t resist reaching over and patting her hand. He was quickly becoming addicted to touching her.
‘Don’t worry, little bird. I have a few things I can offer.”
“I can’t let you do that.”
“They are surplus items. The only reason I haven’t traded them before is because I didn’t need anything.”
“If you’re sure. It would be nice to have some regular clothes when I… leave.”
The thought made his stomach twist and he hastily rose to his feet and started clearing away the plates.
“I can do that.”
“You need to stay off your ankle and let it heal. Would you prefer to remain up here on the porch? Or would you like me to carry you down to the garden?”
“Where are you going to be?”
His chest suddenly ached. Did that mean she wanted to be with him?
“I need to do some weeding.”
“In that case, the garden, please. And maybe you could lend me one of your books?”
“Of course.”
A short time later she was ensconced on the bench under the arbor. He’d brought down some of the couch cushions to pad it for her, along with several of his books, a pitcher of tea, and a small bouquet of flowers. He’d been about to go back for a blanket when she’d laughed and stopped him, placing her hand on his arm. She didn’t even seem to notice the uneven texture of his skin.
“This is fine. I don’t need anything else and I know you have work to do.”
He’d reluctantly left her and set to work. He didn’t mind weeding, making space for the new plants to grow, but it was even more pleasant today with her so close by. How could the simple presence of another person make everything so much better?
Don’t get used to it, he reminded himself. She’s going to leave. But he couldn’t entirely stop himself from dreaming that she’d stay.
When he finished with the weeds, he checked his traps, only to discover that they had captured a half a dozen fish. He cleaned them quickly, then set aside two to grill for lunch while he smoked the others. She watched him do that as well, her face alive with interest.
“Do you have any sewing equipment?” she asked after they ate. “I thought maybe I could make this fabric into more of a dress so I don’t have to keep pulling it up.”
He’d noticed that it had a tendency to slip, revealing the upper swell of her small breasts, but he didn’t find that a fault. He bit back the urge to tell her so and nodded instead.
“I do, along with more material. You’re welcome to use as much as you’d like.”
“Thank you.” She ran her hand down over the cloth and he wished he could do the same. “Did you make the fabric as well?”
“Yes. The plants grow at the edge of the water. I process the fibers, then weave them on my mother’s loom. It keeps me busy during the colder months.”
