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

not expecting this gift.

happy, he

the conversation, so I turned around to

Joseph was standing behind me,

by surprise. I took a moment to recover from the shock before mumbling,

in the room, and they turned

to harvest the fruit and had a fall. Are you alright?” Since Channing already saw me,

entered the room. “Don’t worry, Mr. Oberick. I just slipped. It was no big deal,” I

laughed and recalled, “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

when I turned in Rachel’s direction and caught sight of the bracelet. It was unintentional. The bracelet

she put her other hand

amused and looked

good time chatting and enjoying the fruit Joseph

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

The plan was to send him home after lunch so