Page 24 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse
P. 24

I dozed in and out of sleep for the best part of the day. Finally, I woke refreshed to find Sofie and Josh giggling and laughing. The aroma of cooking filled my nostrils, and I realised I was really hungry for the first time since arriving here. “Hello,” I called. Josh pulled the curtain screen, to reveal a table laden with food. “Come on Ned,” he urged, and with an arm around Sofie and Josh’s shoulders they, half dragged me to the table. I sat with sweat on my brow from the struggle to get there with the pain in my feet.
After a shot of magic medication, I enjoyed my supper. The food was wonderful, and the company was great. We chatted and laughed about all sorts of things. Sofie and Josh told me what they got up to, growing up. I made up a lot of my childhood, as it was not an option to tell them the truth.
“Ned who is your favourite singer?” Josh asked. I mumbled and took time to try and remember my mother’s favourite song, as my father never allowed me to listen to any kind of music on the small radio we had. My mother would sing and dance when my father went to town.
They dragged me up on the kitchen floor and I stood as they both did a quick step and some other dance around me, falling about, giggling. So, I lied about my hobbies and music preference. I hope it would not come back to bite me in the rear end.
After the meal I was ready to return to bed. Josh and Sofie left, promising to come back tomorrow. After breakfast, they would allow me to get some fresh air, before cabin fever set in, by sitting me out on the veranda.
I lay awake for many hours thinking how two seemingly privileged people, like Josh and Sofie, had turned out to be so kind and content in a place such as this, despite John Tirrell’s apparent temperament. Although he did seem to have great respect from all in the community. He had built the Homestead with all the amenities, for folk to have a comfortable life. Sofie had told me he employed two teachers from the town to come every day and give a few lessons to the children of all ages. He had also set up a medical hall, a provision store and a restaurant, supplied with home gown food by the community. They also entertained with live music most nights. He was King, Sheriff and Mayor, of this homestead. His word seemed to be law.


































































































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