AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The male kyvenoid walked back to the house with a wave, giving us the chance to talk openly.
"Did you know about these letters?" I asked Heather.
"No, I had no idea. I wonder who they belonged to. My grandfather built this farm, but I know that my parents extended the house just after they married, so it could be either of them. Or maybe someone else entirely, a builder who left them as a joke? I can't wait to read them."
I squeezed her hand, earning myself a smile that this time extended to her beautiful eyes.
"Are you glad now that we came here?"
"Yes, maybe it was meant to be. But as soon as he returns with the letters I think we should go. Seeing the farm again makes me all emotional. Shopping for supplies will take my mind off things. Retail therapy always works."
"Retail therapy," I echoed. "I like that expression. I'm going to use that from now on."
The man stepped out of the building, now carrying a large woven basket. Behind him, a female poked her head out of the door to look at us. She waved enthusiastically, but didn't join her mate by the fence. Heather raised her hand in response and I copied her.
"Sorry, my wife is on the phone or she would have said hello properly," he huffed, out of breath. "I've added some of our produce as a little gift. We really love this place and still can't believe our luck to have found it. We were looking for a farm like this for ages and had almost given up hope. It's our own little paradise, so please tell the previous owners that we appreciate them taking such great care of the land."
Heather squeezed my hand tightly as she struggled to keep her composure. "I will let them know. Thank you very much for keeping the letters. Most people would have thrown them away or given them to a museum. I know my friend will appreciate it."
"Not a problem. Now I better get back to my sheep, one of the ewe's close to lambing. It was good to meet you!"
"Good to meet you, too," Heather muttered, her attention on the letters.
I pulled her back towards the shuttle. "Let's look at them somewhere private."
17
Heather
Of all the things I'd expected to happen during our visit to Earth, this wasn't it. As soon as the fake van's doors closed behind us, I sat down the basket and rummaged through its contents. A jar of honey, an assortment of jams, a ball of hand-dyed wool and a little bottle of mead. The new owners must have introduced bees to the farm. I almost felt jealous for a moment, then remembered that I would have lost the farm either way. Moving to Kyven had been a much better option than becoming bankrupt and trying to survive here without a penny to my name.
The last item in the basket was a small bundle wrapped in an embroidered tea towel. I impatiently undid the string tied around it, my fingers shaking ever so slightly. Inside was a stack of a dozen or so yellowed envelopes. The paper was so old that it was stiff and frail beneath my touch. I carefully opened the top envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. The ink had faded in places, making it hard to read, but I managed to decipher the name at the very end. Tristan. My grandfather. I didn't remember much of him besides his wild beard that I used to pull on as a toddler when he carried me in his arms. He'd passed away when I was four, so all I knew about him were the stories my parents had told.
I scanned the top of the letter. Dearest Elise. Granny. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread through my belly. She'd been my favourite grandparent, always up for a laugh, a cuddle or a hearty meal.
The next letter I pulled from the stack was in much better condition. The old-fashioned handwriting was beautiful but also not the easiest to read.
My dearest Tristan,
I cannot express how much joy your last letter brought me.
Hearing that you are not only alive, but returning soon, brightened my day. I will prepare your favourite sourdough bread for your arrival and wear the red dress you like so much.
All my love,
Your Elise.
I smiled at the beautiful note, letting my fingers brush over the old paper. It was such a lovely note and so sweet that grandfather brought these back from the war with him. They were probably a lifeline while he was deep in the trenches.
"Rachel will love these," I said, carefully tucking the letter back in the envelope and just sitting with the letters. "It was really hard when Granny passed. We were all really close. My dad was devastated but he said it helped him to imagine she was in a better place. That's what I told myself when they passed, that they were all in a better place. It took me a long while to get used to the quiet."
Atina gave me a sad smile. "I know how you feel. My parents astralised when I was young. That's how I got into piloting. It was good to have something to do, somewhere to belong. The rush keeps me distracted but sometimes it can get lonely onboard." The other woman twisted her LightScreen ring, returning to her normal blue colour. “The crew is my family now. Some days, I still feel lonely, but I’m no longer alone.”
"I get it. Being alone is weird. Lonely is awful, but alone is just... a different beast."
"But you're not alone, you have your cousin, and now me."
I gulped, my heartbeat quickening. "You're sweet."
