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.”

and put it on Rachel’s wrist. “Rachel, from now on, have a

expecting this gift. She looked to

was happy, he kept quiet,

to interrupt the conversation, so I

are here.” Joseph was standing behind me, a tray of fruit

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

those in the room, and they

had a fall. Are you alright?” Since Channing already saw me, I could not

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

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

caught sight of the bracelet. It was

she put her other

amused and

a good time chatting and enjoying the

we could see Mr.

plan was to send him home after lunch so he could