When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Leedon nodded and shared, “We ate them. Mr. Campbell gave us a big bag. Don’t worry about us. We work in the orchard and get to eat the fruits regularly.”

I headed straight to Channing’s office. I was at the door and could hear laughter drifting out from the room.

“Rachel, you have a glib tongue. I have not laughed so much in a long time.” It was Channing’s voice.

“Mr. Oberick, you have flattered me. It is an honor for me to get to chat with you. I am thankful you enjoyed my company.” Her words brought more laughter. Without a doubt, Rachel was much better than me when it came to socializing.

I was about to knock on the door when I heard Channing said, “Ashton, I was too sick to travel to your wedding when you and Rachel got married.”

He fished out a pretty box from his pocket and handed it to Rachel. “Rachel, this is a small gift from me. Before I went to fight in the war in Venria, my wife gave this to me and I had kept them since. It is a bracelet. I gift it to you now. Please take it.”

Rachel was surprised and delighted. She looked to Ashton, seeking his consent to accept the gift.

Ashton was also caught off-guard by this gesture of Channing. He came around and held the box. “Mr. Oberick, we appreciate your generosity. This bracelet was from your late wife. It is too precious. I cannot accept this gift.”

Mr. Oberick was a little displeased he rejected the gift. “Who said it is for you? I am giving this to George’s granddaughter-in-law. Take your hands off. Let Rachel take it.”

Rachel’s wrist. “Rachel, from now on, have a blessed life with this

gift. She looked to Ashton,

was happy, he kept quiet, so as not to dampen the

want to interrupt the conversation, so I

was standing behind me, a tray

recover from the shock before mumbling, “Oh, you went to cut the fruit?”

those in the room, and

Are you alright?” Since Channing already saw me, I could not turn around to

“Don’t worry, Mr. Oberick. I just slipped. It

“When George and I were fighting the war in Venria, there were days when the combat zone would become slippery and muddy because of a storm the night before. Sometimes, we would slip and roll down the mountain. Those were the difficult days. You kids have an

story when I turned in Rachel’s direction and caught sight of the bracelet. It was unintentional. The bracelet was very exquisite, so I took

so she put her other hand over it to hide it

amused and looked

a good time chatting

a while, we could see Mr. Oberick was getting tired and nodding

lunch at the visitor centre. The plan was to send him home after