Last Morning Together
Leo stepped out into the glistening sun and looked across the golden fields where many vegetables grew. A small river encompassed them, with a makeshift wooden bridge at the very center that connected either side. A few morning birds dotted the skies, likely off to find warmth and shelter for the coming winter.
He slipped into his rain boots and placed his sun hat on his head. “Emma’s shoes are missing, she must be out already..” He thought aloud as he took note of the empty space his daughters' boots once occupied.
Taking a few steps down the dirt path, he spotting his daughter, Emma, tending to the turnips. The sun shone beautifully across her peach skin and golden brown hair. It reminded Leo of his late wife, her mother..
He lightly jogged towards his daughter, who waved as she noticed him. “Good morning, Papa! How did you sleep?” She asked, smiling as she wiped off some dirt onto her jeans.
“I slept well, thank you Emma.” He smiled as he kneeled down beside her to help with the vegetables.
“Is Father awake yet?”
“No, but I’m sure he’ll be up soon. He has his interview, after all.”
“I don’t understand why he has to leave, can’t he stay on the farm with us?”
Leo shook his head, smiling softly. “Sadly no, farm life isn’t for him, it seems.”
Emma pouted, roughly pulling out a weed. Leo places has hand on hers “No need to be so rough, the weed brings you no harm.” He said softly, receiving a nod in response.
As if on cue, the front door swung open with a loud creek as one Freddy Riley stepped out. He wore his usual attire; a freshly ironed business suit. His clothes were a stark contrast to those of Emma and Leo, whose jeans and muddy aprons would turn any sensible business man away.
“You look lovely this morning, Honey.” Leo complimented as he stood and wiped off some dirt on his knees. Freddy blushed and scoffed, crossing his arms. “And you look like you just fell down a rabbit hole.” He retorted, he’d never admit he secretly enjoyed the compliments his husband gave him.
Emma pouted, throwing some dirt at Freddy. Thankfully, He was able to evade the attack. “Watch where you throw that, Missy!” He reprimanded “What would have happened if I got dirt on me?!”
“Well… You wouldn’t get hired, then you’ll get to spend extra time with me and Papa!” She smirked, turning her attention back to her gardening before Freddy could reprimand her more.
“Don’t listen to her… You really want to do this?” He mumbled so Emma couldn’t hear. Freddy nodded confidently. “We need the money, Leo. And we both know you would never do well in an office job.” Leo frowned “I’ll miss you…”
Freddy smiled reassuringly “I’ll be back in a few hours. The neighbors have a telephone, I’m only a call away.” He placed a hand on Leo’s cheek, giving him a peck on the lips. “...Now I must leave, or I’ll be late for the train.”
And just as quickly as he came, Freddy quickly hurried off.
If only Freddy knew what would become of his little family unit, then maybe that morning he would have opted to stay. Spend a little time with the people he loved, before they were gone...