“All right.”
She poured the oatmeal into bowls and put them on the table.
When she turned, she gave him a small smile.He smiled back, but it felt different.He sat down and took a bite.“It’s good,” he said.
“I forgot the cinnamon.”
“I noticed.”
“I’ll remember tomorrow.”
“I know you will.”
They ate in silence.
It wasn’t uncomfortable.Just...heavier than usual.When he finished, he stood and reached for his coat.
“I’ll check the cold house after you leave,” Lula said.“See what we have.”
“That’s a good idea.”He paused, then stepped closer and kissed her temple.
“I’ll be back this evening,” he said.
“I’ll have supper ready.”
“I know.”
He left.The door shut softly behind him.Lula stood there for a moment, listening to the quiet.
Then she reached for her apron and touched the folded letter.Something had changed.She didn’t think it was completely broken.Not yet anyway.
Lula pulled on her gloves and went to the cold house as soon as Sebastian left.
The freezing air inside bit her face when she opened the door.She stepped in anyway, shutting it behind her.
The meat was where she’d left it.Neatly wrapped.Stacked the way Ella had shown her.She’d never realized before that Ella was a good organizer.Lula felt she had a great deal she could learn from her friend.
She crouched and started sorting.“This goes to Katie,” she murmured, moving one bundle aside.“This stays.”
Her fingers were stiff almost immediately.She flexed them once, then kept working.
After a moment, the door opened again.Ella stepped inside, closing it quickly behind her.“I thought you’d be here,” Ella said.
“I wanted to check everything before I forgot,” Lula replied.
Ella nodded and moved to the far side without waiting for direction.She picked up a bundle, turned it in her hands, then set it down in a different pile.
“For sale,” she said quietly.
Lula looked over.“That one?”
Ella nodded.“Best cut.Will bring more.”
Lula shifted it to where Ella had indicated.“All right.”
They worked in silence for a few minutes.The only sounds were the paper, twine, and their breathing.Lula glanced over at the growing piles.“I don’t want to sell too much,” she said.“We need enough for winter.”
Ella didn’t look up.“We will have enough.”
