Alabaster Living: Chapter Two

Three o’clock the morning came upon the master of the house, and with it came the urge to check on his mysterious guest. Rolling out of bed, he put on his bathrobe and walked across to where the stranger was sleeping. He was sweating heavily and obviously had a fever. Cold cloths were quickly gotten and attention paid to the sick man.

Late the next morning, the stranger was still asleep, but a little less restless. The owner of the house was tired, but decided to get on with the day. Plans had been made previously to prune some of the orchards, but due to the new circumstances, it was decided to stay closer to the house. Walking outside, he did the morning chores, letting out the barn cat and setting up food for everyone. He had a cow to milk and chickens to collect eggs from. He did so and then ran down to the avocado trees, picking a couple for breakfast. Back at the house, he made eggs with avocado on the side. The stranger was still ill and unconscious.

Pulling out his account books, he settled his budget. All looked quite well and he was glad to have finished that, as it had been in the back of his mind for awhile. He looked around for what he should do next. There were many indoor activities that needed doing and so, in between checking on his guest, he accomplished many things.

For several days this happened, but it seemed that the injured man would soon be well again. There was only so much that could be done inside and close to the house for four days. So, the young man finally went out to the orchards with his equipment and began his pruning. It was hot and hard work, but very necessary. At lunch time, an orange and an avocado were picked to save time going to the house. Back to work, the young man stayed at it until nearly eight o’clock. He was exhausted, but new he had to bed down the animals. Doing so, he finally went into the house.

Washing his hands in the washroom, he entered the house. In the kitchen, he got a salad out of the fridge and set it on the counter. He was suddenly aware that he was being watched. He looked up and saw the stranger sitting at the counter on a stool.

“How long have I been here?” the stranger asked rubbing his arm gently.

“About four days.” Was the simple reply.

“What happened?”

“I was hoping you would tell me that.”

“Where am I?”

“Southern California valley.”

“Oh! Well, I can’t thank you enough…uh…Mr…?”

“Jake will do.”

“Jake, well, my name is Frank.”

“You haven’t eaten, would you like something? I have chicken broth.”

“Maybe some broth, thanks.”

Soon, Jake was busy in the kitchen making up something for the both of them. He didn’t pay much heed to Frank, as he was called, but continued to work efficiently. Frank watched him with a dazed look, still not quite in top form.

“Here you are and some water too.” Jake said, setting it down on the counter before him and putting his own food across from him, taking a seat.

“I appreciate it Jake. Do you live alone out here?”

“Mhm.”

“I see from those pictures that you were in the war?”

“Yup.”

“Where?”

“Africa.”

Seeing that the conversation was not going very far, Frank finished his broth and stood up.

“Thanks again for housing me. When I am able, I’d like to go to town. Is it far?”

“About forty miles. I wouldn’t think about it too much right now. Wait here until you’re better off.”  Jake stood up and began to wash the dishes.

“Alright. I’ll see you in the morning.” And with that, Frank left.

Jake was unsure about the stranger, but was too tired to have much conversation. He finished cleaning the kitchen and turned off the lights to go to bed. He knew tomorrow would be interesting.

#AlabasterLiving #Stories