Empty Handed

The next morning young Thom walked to the back of the schoolhouse. There was a small room attached to the main building – you could see it had been added more recently. There was a door and a window covered by a curtain. But the door itself had a small window that was uncovered and young Thom took a peek inside while calling out the teacher’s name. Anna. She had left early as young Thom very well knew. He carefully looked inside. There was a table, one chair and a small bed in the corner. The room looked generic - no personal belongings of Anna could be seen. Young Thom turned away and with his hands in his pockets he slowly strolled back to the Inn. At the front gate he took a pause and looked up at the stone building – most of it covered with leaches and ivy. Anna was right, it could be restored to its full glory again but it would be a lot of work, and young Thom had other things on his mind for now.
Young Thom hurried towards the bakery while making up a list of things to do that week. He looked up into sky and realized he hadn’t thought about his family the day before. Suddenly a voice spoke out from behind him. It was the butcher’s daughter, this time her dark-blond hair tightly pulled back and tied in a knot and wearing a still clean white apron.. If the lamb had been good she wanted to know. With a face bearing professional interest she awaited reply. Of course, yesterday’s lamb! Young Thom was surprised by the question until he realized the young woman facing him was indeed the butcher’s daughter. He quickly confirmed with enthusiasm. And if it had been well cooked, she also wanted to know. A polite smile appeared on her face while Young Thom wet his lips at the thought of that mint sauce. Indeed, the cooking had been divine. He looked the butcher’s daughter straight in the eyes and replied with a modest yes.
Pleased with the replies, the butcher’s daughter thanked young Thom and went of to the bakery. But young Thom had questions for her too and with a few fast steps he stood in front of her again. A wide smile appeared on her face. But as young Thom asked his question the smile quickly disappeared and with apparent resentment she bluntly replied she would talk to him later and quickly rushed into the bakery. Young Thom followed but the place was crowded. After she left with her bread, he impatiently awaited his loaf and then quickly ran outside to find the street empty.

Next : A Firm Rubbing