Wandering (Open)

J O E

"You haven't left yet? Joe! I need the berries for the pie I am making for the stall! Go on!" Ma waves me out the door, grumbling under her breath about my lack of urgency. "Get a move on, son!" Ushering me forward she pushes me onto the porch, slamming the door behind me. Moments ago she had stuffed some coins into my hands, and I pocket them, slipping on some of the worn boots by the door and heading down the long dusty driveway that would lead me off the property.

The air had a nip to it today, and silently I curse Ma for kicking me out of the house before I had the chance to find something thicker. All I wore was a think tee and some old cargo pants with a hole in the right knee. There was a fun story behind that hole, but I'll save that for another day. I wrap my arms around myself, rubbing my arms with my hands in an attempt to warm myself.

Reaching the end of the drive I make quick work of the lock, slipping out before securing the gate behind me. The fields were drier than usual, hopefully the dawn of winter would bring relief to some crops, and hydrate the animals which grazed lazily in the pastures. Speaking of animals, Boston stood by the fence line, rubbing his body along one of the pickets in an attempt to it a scratch on his side. A wide smile pulls at my lips and I jog over to him, running a hand over his pelt. "Hey there buddy," a low growing sound rumbles through the beasts chest in greeting. I chuckle, giving him one last rough pat on the back before leaving him to his business.

Im almost at the town when I come across another person, hands stuffed into pockets against the icy winds. "Hey," I give the boy a wave, my face split into a wide grin. "Chilly morning! Hopefully with the chill comes some much needed rain! The pastures are looking a little on the dry side." I move to match his pace, kicking at some loose stones beneath my feet. "Off to the market? Early bird gets the worm they say!"

J O E

"No, I'm not heading anywhere in particular." The boy responds, it was odd to hear. My life seemed to move as though it was on fast forward. There was always a chore to complete, an animal to feed or a stall to muck. I wondered what it might be like to just walk and not have a destination in mind.

Ha. It seemed comical in a way, why would I just wandering around aimlessly? Often I do find myself praying to Ripred that Ma would just back off for a moment, allowing me to get a moment of bloody peace and quiet. But what would I do with the peace and quiet? I would probably go muck a stall. I chuckle to myself, tipping my head back slightly.

"You are, though?"

"Sure am! I've been sent on a mission for some berry's for Ma's pies. She's gonna sell 'em in her stall this afternoon. The farmers do tend to like a tasty little treat after a busy day of work." I glance over at the kid. Being home schooled I didn't recognise him, but he looked lost. And I had a bad habit of taken in the lost. I move to stand in front of the boy, brining both of us to a stop. "Do you like pie? Come fetch some berry's with me and I'll convince Ma to give you a slice."