Page 63 of Starry Nights over Dragonfly Lake

‘I know,’ said Noah. ‘And it is a two-man job but both men need to be able to lift those heavy oak doors. Anyway, I’ll do my best to stop him.’

They both exchanged a knowing look of understanding. Even a broken collarbone hadn’t stopped Walter from heading over to the lodges each day, anxious to do what he could to help.

‘He’ll be even worse when that sling comes off in a week’s time,’ said Ben.

Noah nodded. ‘Yeah, we’ll have to do something about that.’

Noah spent most of the morning fixing the remaining roof tiles on lodge number four whilst Walter supervised from his camping chair on the ground below.

But despite Walter’s assurances that he could help with even one arm, Noah just about managed to keep him at bay.

Noah had just come down the ladder when Ben arrived carrying a wicker basket, with Tiny the dog alongside him.

‘Time for a picnic, have you?’ teased Walter, before reaching over to stroke Tiny.

‘Mum thought you both might like some lunch,’ said Ben. ‘But if you’re not hungry, I can return her delicioussandwiches.’

‘Hand them over, lad,’ replied Walter. ‘Being site manager is hungry work.’

Ben laughed and handed Walter the basket before going over to run his hand over the oak front door which was leaning up against the wall ready to be hung. ‘Beautiful wood.’

Noah nodded. He had been pleased at the level of craftsmanship that Ben and Walter were eager to install in the lodges. Where they couldn’t make or create some items, they had made sure that any additions were handcrafted from the best of materials.

‘That’ll do a grand job keeping out yet another storm early next week,’ said Walter, from his chair.

‘If nobody else gets hurt then I’ll be happy,’ replied Ben, wandering over to peek underneath the tea towel on top of the basket to pick up a sandwich. ‘Come and grab something,’ he called across to Noah.

‘I wondered why you had company with you,’ replied Walter, taking a bite of his sandwich as Tiny sat down next to him, his tongue lolling out in hope.

‘Tiny never turns down a meal,’ said Ben.

Noah helped himself to a couple of sandwiches and sat down on the front doorstep. It really was an incredible view, he thought. It would be hard to get bored of looking out at the changing skies and seasons of the countryside all around them day after day.

Tiny gave up on begging Walter for a bite to eat and wandered over to chance his luck with Noah. Unable to resist Tiny’s soulful dark eyes, Noah gave him a slice of ham from his sandwich.

‘Now you’ve done it,’ muttered Walter. ‘He’ll eat the rest of your lunch if you’re not careful.’

Noah shrugged his shoulders. ‘I’m used to going without,’ he replied, without thinking.

During his childhood, he had often missed lunch when his dad had failed to provide him with any food or the funds to purchase something.

A short silence followed as his cousin and uncle exchanged looks and Noah instantly regretted being so honest.

‘Hate the idea of anyone going hungry,’ said Walter, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

‘We let you down,’ said Ben, shaking his head.

‘I survived,’ Noah told them. ‘It just means that I don’t need to depend on anyone else.’

Ben was still frowning. ‘I had no idea things were so bad for you. If only you’d said something.’ Then he appeared to correct himself. ‘But of course you wouldn’t. It wasn’t your place to speak up. You were just a child.’

Noah was touched by their concern. ‘I was fine. Well, no. Obviously I wasn’t but here I am. All fit and healthy.’

But his cousin and uncle weren’t to be put off so easily.

‘It was neglect,’ said Walter, shaking his head. ‘I never knew. I’m sorry, lad.’

‘It wasn’t your fault,’ Noah told them.