AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Scraping the layer of mold from my piece of cheese, I nibble on it between bites of gritty apple as I begin preparing breakfast for the rest of my family.
I reach for the cast iron skillet hanging above the counter, a present from my father to my mother on their wedding day.
A smile pulls at my lips as I run my hands along it. Her favorite place had been in this very kitchen, where the sunshine would pool at her feet as she hummed sweet songs while kneading dough.
Ghosts of the past keep me company as I place the skillet among the embers to warm it up while I begin cracking today’s eggs into a bowl, whisking in what little milk we have left to thicken them.
Once, what now feels like a lifetime ago, this house had been bathed in sunlight and warmth, the rooms full of laughter and love.
I’d been too young to fully understand the loss when my mother drew her last breath. She’d made me promise not to let her death harden me toward life, and I’d done my best to honor that wish.
It wasn’t until Father introduced me to his new wife, Merelda, that I truly understood the weight of my mother’s dying request. That I finally grasped just how much strength it would take to stay soft in a world hell-bent on breaking you.
Tears sting the backs of my eyes as I retrieve the skillet and carefully arrange thick cuts of bacon around the outer edge before returning it to the hot coals. My bread now softened and warm, I tear off small mouthfuls as I keep one eye on the sizzling pan. Flipping the bacon, I wait a moment before adding the egg mixture to the center of the pan as my mind wanders again.
Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder how different life would be if Mother was still here. Now, I’m lucky if I get a few hours to myself, especially when father is away on business, which he almost always is.
He swears he’s fine with the extra work, but I see the way his face has aged. He’d never admit it, but he’s working himself to bone trying to give my stepmother the kind of lifestyle she’s accustomed to.
Unfortunately, I’ve been swept up into carrying that burden with him, though I’d never let him know as much. As soon as Father leaves, Merelda is quick to turn on me, ordering me about as she coddles her twoprecioussons.
The very thought of Amadeus and Cyprian is enough to have my stomach knotting, putting me off the rest of my breakfast.
Thankfully, I’m suddenly pulled from my spiraling thoughts by the sound of heavy feet on the stairs. Father, I’d know his footsteps anywhere.
These days, he’s always in a hurry to leave, his feet falling a little too heavily on the wood. I can’t help but wonder which client he’ll visit next, and which of his beautifully bound books will pass into their hands.
Before, he’d let me read them as he painstakingly crafted their new covers. Now, I can hardly remember the last time I held a book.
Standing, I hurry to set the skillet on the counter to ready his breakfast. Reaching for a plate, I pause mid-reach as I hold my breath to listen closely for the soft footsteps of my stepmother, praying they don’t follow him.
But they do. Of course, they always do.
Sighing, I quickly plate a bit of bacon and egg as well before turning toward the kitchen door.
“…really, Leoric. The way you slow your steps every time you must leave makes me wonder if you care for our family. Truly care,” Merelda says, the high whine of her voice making me pause just inside the door.
“Don’t say that, dearest,” Father answers, his own voice low and gentle in contrast. “You know I care deeply for our family, and I always do my best to provide for you.”
“And yet, you hesitate,” Merelda sulks. “You know the lord will insist on a steep discount if you’re even a moment too late on the delivery.”
My heart sinks at this.
He’s leaving, already? Father had promised me he’d be home for at least a week the last time he left.
Turning back to set the plate down on the counter, I hurry to bit Father farewell and perhaps end whatever disagreement the two of them are having. I know Merelda will be none too pleased to have me interrupt, but it’s not as if she won’t make me suffer for my father’s absence anyway.
Wiping my hands on my skirts, I’m distracted by these thoughts as I near the door. So distracted that I don’t hear the sound of approaching footsteps before it’s too late.
The door swings open and I run straight into Amadeus, letting out a small squeak of surprise as I stumble backward. He catches me, his hand wrapping around my upper arm as a slow grin pulls at the corner of his lips.
“Hello, there,” he says, his blue eyes darkening as he runs his free hand through his long golden hair, letting it briefly fall over his face for a moment before shaking it back. “I was just starting to wonder where you got to.”
I open my mouth to demand that he unhand me at once, desperation tugging at my heart as I hear the front door open.
I have to say goodbye to Father. It’s the one tradition we’ve managed to keep through the changing years. The one thing that helps me sleep at night when he’s not here … that and the prayers I send to the gods to watch over him as he travels. To bring him home safe to me.
I’m not sure how long he’ll be gone this time, and I’d give almost anything for just a moment with him before he leaves. A few seconds is all I need to carry me through until he returns.
