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The market was busy at this time of the day. Aspen had wanted to go in the early morning to get a pick on the first catch of the day. Plans had changed however and he had to go at noon. No matter though, the fishermen would not run out of fish yet. He needed fish for the day and rice for the week. His family had their farm but rice wasn't a crop they could keep and his younger siblings had been fond of the starchy food lately. 188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGcIOn3FK7
Aspen made his way through the crowd to the stall where he could buy rice. There had been travelers in the market plenty of times. This past week had been different. These travelers would set up small tents and hold meetings where people could come and listen. The spectacle was enough to bring people that normally wouldn't have come to the market. Crowded spaces lead to higher tempers and increased demand. One of the many reasons Aspen had wanted to be here earlier in the day.
When Aspen reached the stall about four customers were inspecting the product already. Aspen didn't have to check the quality of the rice. He knew the couple that grew these crops and had bartered here many times before. They might drive a hard bargain but their goods were never faulty. They held themselves to a high standard. The couple would never sell something undesirable underhandedly. Oops batches were common but the couple was honest about what they were selling.
"Hello, Aspen! You're a bit later today than usual." The woman who ran the stall greeted. She was older than Aspen by about thirty years. She had a handkerchief wrapped around her head to protect her from the sun and her face was sun died. Warm brown eyes pinched at the corner from a smile that had put many customers guards down before the barter.
"Yes, Mrs. Walters, I had a late start. Trouble with Pop." Aspen began scooping rice into the sack he had brought with him.
"I'm sorry to hear that boy. Your Da is a good man. What did the doctor say? You told me last week you were going to try and get one down here." Mrs. Walters
"Mia, that's private." Mr. Walters joined his wife in front of Aspen.
Aspen's face darkened thinking about the prior conversation with the physician. Not many physicians came to their neck of the woods. Many more would steer clear after hearing about his father's condition.
"It's alright sir." Aspen shook off the looming thoughts. "I managed to consult one three days ago. After hearing the symptoms they refused a physical check-up. They were too busy to see him. Hopefully, by the time their schedule frees up, Pop'll have cleared up on his own."
The couple paused. Mr. Walters was a man of few word's with a large build and calloused hands. He was a respected member of the town and it made folks think twice before questioning him. Though he rarely shared his mind When Mr. Walters spoke people listened. For that reason, Aspen felt to share with the man. He knew that he would get good advice from him. The couple shared a look with each other.
"I'm sorry to hear such news, Aspen." Mrs. Walters spoke. "I tell you what, Andrew and I can afford to give you and your family a bit more productive. Think of it as a get-well gift for your father. I have a feeling he will need some extra strength."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMhzsVtVVR
"You don't need to do that ma'am." Aspen turned down the offer but he knew they would need it soon.
"Now, now. The proper response is thankyou. Why don't you and my husband go into the back and he'll put together some things for you huh?" Mrs. Walters insisted.
"Really, I'm fine," Aspen said holding up his hands. "What I've got here is enough, promise."
"Enough," Mr. Walters interrupted. "When a woman offers you something twice it is within your best interest to listen. Come along." Turning around Mr. Walter walked into their makeshift shelter away from peering eyes. Hearing Mr. Walters's tone Aspen gave in. There was little left to be said.
Following the man, Aspen was secretly thankful. He knew that with their father's condition, they wouldn't make it through the winter. Whatever Aspen was able to harvest on his own would have to last enough for the family. Aspen also knew that soon his father might very well succumb to the sickness and he didn't want to think about how they would survive without him. Not old enough to go out and work Aspen couldn't support the family on his own. His age restricted him from selling the crops without his father. In two years, he would be able to but they would not survive that long. Before he reached age someone would take their farm.
The back of the shed lay walls of crates, all brought in that day by the couple. The Walters were a large part of the community. They hired several hands to help with their fields. Most of the community was supported by the business they brought in. Strangely enough, they had no children. The couple was the same age as Aspen's father and in many ways, during the last several months of his sickness, they had filled a much-needed hole in Aspen's life. Mr. Walters led Aspen to the very back and pulled out a drawstring bag.
"How bad is it?" Mr. Walters asked grabbing pre-packaged ground flour from the shelves and putting it in the bag.
"You mean Pop's sickness? I'm not sure. The physician was too busy to see him this week." Aspen answered with a half-hearted laugh.
"Don't lie to me, boy. He wasn't too busy, he refused to see your father." Mr. Walters stopped packing the bag to look into Aspen's eyes. Aspen felt as if his soul was laid bare for the older man to see. "Your Pa's got the Sick ain't he?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2W34Y6ye2
"I- What-... please don't tell anyone," Aspen begged. "I keep him confined. No one has contact with him. It's not even contagious, the rumors aren't true at all!" Aspen's voice was getting more strung as his words sped up together.
"I ain't gonna tell on you boy. That's not why I brought you back here. Take a good breath and listen to me." Mr. Walters turned back around and began stuffing the bag again. "If there was a way to save your father would you do it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPMSRgMZoS
"What do you mean if there was a way to save him? No one gets back from the Sick. It has a hundred percent mortality rate. That's why the physician refused me."
"I know that boy, that's not what I was askin'. I want to know what you would give to save your father." Mr. Walters retorted.
"I'm not sure. I know that if there was a way to save my Pop I would do just about anything to make it happen. He's all I've got." Aspen teared up at the slight hope that was building in his chest.
"Then that's that." The older man sighed. There was a heavy pause in the room and Aspen felt a strange rustle within himself, unlike anything he had ever felt before.
"Sir, is there something I can do? Please tell me."
"You're going to have to keep a secrete for me boy. There is a way you can save your father. Someone's come to town I haven't seen in a while. I can't make any promises but they might be able to help." Mr. Walters finished packing the bag and handed it to Aspen.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63d3g3WZk6
"How do I meet them? If there's a chance they can help I'll take it. Anything's better than watching Pop die." Aspen stated.
"I can give you the meetin' spot, but you have to promise me something. first." Mr. Walters said.
"Promise you what? I don't have much on me but I can find a way to pay them. I'm good on my debts." Aspen defended.
"My friend has no need for your money. I'm sure they'll do it free of charge. No, I need your trust boy. I need to know that you'll not tell anyone your comin's or goin's." You have to promise me that whatever you see or hear will remain a secret. I don't want my friend hurt. They've been through enough."
"Ok... I don't care what I need to do, if they want me to be quiet I can handle that." Aspen said taking the bag from Mr. Walters's hands. "Will they really be able to help my Pop?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF27xwX6VJv
"You'll just have to go and see for yourself, son." Mr. Walters replied. With their conversation done Mr. Walters made Aspen repeat the meeting location and a few other important details to memorize it. Written word was too easy to lose and all too incriminating to write everything down.
"Alright, son. It's about time you get goin now. We've spent long enough back here. Tell the misses good by and thank you on your way out. I look forward to seeing your Pa next week." With that, Mr. Walters had used up his daily word count and seemed fit to send Aspen on his way.
Bidding the couple goodbye Aspen headed to the docks. He would get the fish his family needed and be home in enough time to tuck his siblings into bed. Luckily enough the meeting time was in the night. It seemed fate knew the best time for him to sneak away. Aspen didn't know who he would meet but he did know that he would do anything for his family.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTib9CjgWx
