Layne's Point of View
Mother and I rode our wooden wagon which contained all the vegetables as ordered by Uncle Timbow. After a half an hour's ride, our wagon safely arrived in the center of the village. This is where all the merchants gather. Despite being small, you can find all sorts of things here and, of course, at a cheaper price compared to the city, according to Mother.
“Layne, quickly check the vegetables. I will talk to Timbow”. I nodded and immediately obeyed Mother’s command. Grabbing her checklist, I went to the back of our wagon to check.
“Breaking news from the Royal City! Breaking news from the Royal City! The Crown Prince has fallen ill! The Crown Prince has fallen ill!” screams from the young lad who delivers newspapers and tabloids echoed across. This grabbed everyone’s attention, but civilians in proximity are doubtful whether it’s true or not. None of my business, now let’s continue where we left off. Mother’s going to kill me if I don’t get this right.
Two baskets of carrots
One basket of potatoes
Three baskets of onions
Four baskets of wheat,
Ohhh and there are tomatoes too.
All complete.
Judging by the vegetables’ appearances, they have withstood our bumpy travels. Uncle Timbow will surely be pleased. I gazed upon Mother and saw her talking to him. But where’s my dear friend Theo? He is usually around here somewhere. My eyes lingered searching for Theo’s traces. In dismay, I joined Mother’s conversation with Uncle Timbow.
“Uncle Timbow!” His eyes wrinkled, and his mouth creased upwards at the sight of my joyful presence. “If it isn’t Layne.”
“Is Theo here?” I innocently asked him. But his response was not what I expected. “Oh, so Theo didn’t tell you.” Tell me what? I was quite puzzled by what he said. He noticed my puzzled face and so he added, “Theo left the village to study at De Vionne Academy, I thought you knew.” I am well aware that it was his dream to study in the most prestigious academy in the Kingdom. Nonetheless, he left without me knowing…and that is so not Theo.
Maybe he had his reason.
Hearing about the news definitely made me sad. I didn’t speak to Mother on our entire trip back home. “Layne, are you alright? You were quiet.” Mother worriedly asked. I could feel the care and tenderness in her voice. “I am alright mother, just surprised that Theo left without saying a word,” I replied and made sure that I was not sounding too sad. She doesn’t need to be too worried because I am alright, right?
After dinner, I immediately went into my room. At that moment, everything sank in and my memories of Theo flashed before my eyes. From the moment we first met, every birthday we shared, his smile, and the moments we spoke about our dreams. We have been friends since childhood, thus, his unannounced departure made me feel all sorts of negative emotions. With my eyes seemingly moist, I snuggled into my bedsheets as I cried my heart out. We are friends, but why do I feel so much pain? Why does my heart ache at the thought of him leaving?
That night, the gap between me and Theo became more evident to me. He has a whole world ahead of him and there’s me, who is “just” a farmer.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Another day had passed and my “Theo fever” had calmed down. My mind’s clear enough to accept his departure and that someday we will meet again. It’s not like he’ll be in De Vionne forever. Right now, I have a birthday to celebrate. Take note, this is no ordinary birthday because I am turning 18 which is what they call “coming of age”. I admit, the trip to the city Mother had offered was justifiable because this is one of the most important days a young lady experience.
Dawn peeled off gently, as I welcomed this special day. Mother greeted me warmly, “Happy Birthday Layne, you grew up as a very fine lady.” Her gaze filled my heart with warmth, and so I hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Mother”
I hope she feels how much I love her.
“I know this isn’t enough for a lady who is coming of age, but I got a little something for you.” She extended her arms and gave me a tiny box that was just the size of my palm, wrapped in decorative paper tinted in blue, my favorite hue. “You don’t have to mother.”
You deserve it, honey, coming of age is still coming of age.” With my mother’s assurance, I excitedly unwrapped the box. As the sound of the paper shredded piece by piece, my eyes grew wider with what was revealed. A silver chained necklace with an emerald stone as a pendant. “I love it, but this is expensive Mother. We do not earn much, how?”
“I have my ways” Mother replied while making a cheesy wink. I don’t know when and how, but I appreciate the necklace she gave me. “Can you help me wear it?” I asked her politely. I quickly shoved my hair on one side and turned around. Mother then placed the necklace around my neck, carefully.
It’s beautiful.
Later in the afternoon, we finally went to Father’s grave, which is a ten-minute walk from our farmhouse. Mother and I wore a decent dress for this special occasion. With great honesty, even when this is something we yearly do, Mother and I still struggle to carry this basket filled with food. On our journey, we came across villagers who seemed to be going somewhere fancy. The young lady was dressed beautifully like a noble. “Enjoy your coming of age my dear”, the young lady’s mother bid her daughter farewell as she entered the carriage. Just like me, it was her coming of age too, but both our worlds are different.
Wealthy people send their daughters and sons to a ball when they reach the age of 18. Nearby cities like the City of Grit where it is held left and right, is a popular place to go on this type of occasion. What a privilege for her to attend one. I didn’t budge at all while staring at the young lady’s carriage moving away.
How fortunate of her.
Seeing her fancy dress makes the clothes I am wearing look shabby and plain. Does it suit me?— “Layne, let’s go.” Mother must have noticed that I was staring for quite some time. I smiled at her so that she doesn’t worry. It took us some time, but finally, we have reached our destination. Father’s grave is beside a giant oak tree. Engraved on his tombstone were the words, In memory of Lynos. I placed a simple bouquet as Mother laid down a huge piece of cloth beside the grave, hence, the start of our picnic.
The basket we brought was filled with clubhouse sandwiches and fruits that I love. Mother brought wine as well. As a tradition, drinking wine is a must when you have come of age. I can finally find out how it tastes. They say it’s sweet. I grabbed a glass and took a sip. They lied, it’s bitter, or maybe I am not just used to it.
Father, I am of age now. It has been 6574 days since you left, your daughter longs for you.
We devoured all the food we brought while watching a captivating sunset. Everything at that moment was perfect. I will never get tired of it. With no sun in sight, we went back home. It was dark and scary and the only object that gave us light was the lamp Mother was holding. As we were near the farmhouse, Mother’s figure froze as if she saw a ghost. As I turned my gaze, I finally understood her reaction. They looked like knights.
Why are they at our house?
What do they want from us?
Mother quickly rushed to the farmhouse. “Mother!” Instinctively, I followed. My voice echoed, which caught the attention of the knights. They didn’t stop her as she entered. As the door abruptly opened, with Mother in front of me, I saw a distinctive figure sitting on a chair as if he were waiting for our return. Walking closer enabled me to see his full features.
Black and emerald eyes, just like mine and Mother's.
Who are these people?
Who is this man?