When There Is Nothing Left But Love

The two bags of fruit were heavy but still manageable. I was lagging behind the rest of the group as I was walking slowly with the heavy load.

It had rained, so the road was muddy and wet. My shoes were caked with mud, making the walk a slippery affair, full of near misses. I planned to take a rest after crossing this muddy stretch, as my arms were almost breaking under the weight of these heavy bags of fruit.

Unfortunately, all of a sudden, I slipped and sat right into a pool of mud.

Slosh! The mud splashed onto the fruit I was carrying as well.

Oh my god! Where am I going to find clothes to change into?

I was tired and frustrated, so I just sat in the mud pool, stoned.

“Throwing in the towel?” I heard a voice mocking me.

I looked up to see Ashton. He was standing a distance away, looking amused. I instinctively wanted to get up from the ground.

On second thought, I gave up and just sat there. “It’s none of your business,” I retorted. He had already seen my embarrassing fall, so who cares?

“It is not about you. I am worried about the fruit. It was hard work harvesting them. You are not going to waste them like that, are you?” he mocked as he walked towards me.

muddied fruit to him and pouted, “There you

with a tickled expression, seemingly trying to suppress a good

take the muddied fruit from me. “Get up. Mr.

away, not showing any intention to help me up. Apparently,

base. Leedon was resting on the steps when I approached. When he saw me, he gaped. “Ms. Stovall, did you fall into

not

wash. “There are shower facilities at the base. You don’t have any extra items of clothing

you. Thank you very much.” I did not have other options and was thankful for his

all. Hurry

people turned to gawk at me. I don’t blame them. I looked like I rolled in

waiting for me, with a set of clothing in hand. “Mr. Fuller gave instructions to

trying to hide his

for sending me clothing. It was his fault that I got into this state.” I vented my

clean up. I will guard the entrance for you,” he said. Joseph was trying his

had no bathroom for ladies as all the staff was

clean clothes for me. “Thank you Leedon, but I already have a