Fury in the Wind cho. 4 - Fleeting Hope

A week had passed, and Carris still hadn’t seen Malcolm. She had barely seen her mother either, opting to stay outside until after Sandra came home and went to sleep, and rising before she was awake the next morning. She walked the woods and skimmed the shoreline, looking for fine pieces of stone and rock to add to her collection. Her jewelry-making was more of a way to pass the time, something to try to keep her mind off of her home life.

But she hadn’t seen either of her friends, and the scene of her mother and Mr. Collums circled in her head over and over. With no one to talk to, she felt like she may be going crazy. Maybe she didn’t remember it quite right. Maybe Sandra had just tripped, and Mr. Collums had caught her. Maybe \ she had seen it all wrong.

Even if she hadn’t, was it really her place to speak of it to anybody? Shouldn’t the parents be the ones handling this? She carried enough of the burden at home, often doing most of the cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the cabin. Her mother should be the one to make things right. She scoffed at that thought. If there was one thing her mother excelled in, it was not bothering to make things right.

Carris was lost in these thoughts, wrapped in her worn fur coat and matching hat, her pale hands even whiter from the cold, plunged in a little trickle that fed into the main creek. She had seenm a flash of color beneath the ice and punched through it with a fist. Her reward was a deep bluish stone, smooth from the relentless flow of water. She held it up in the rare afternoon sun, even as storm clouds threatened to the north up the mountain.

“That’s a beauty of a stone.”

Carris jumped from her hunched position, the stone falling from her hands and plopping back in the water. She dove for it with both hands, scooping it up but rapping her knuckles along the shallow creek bottom. She let out a sharp hiss as the hard earth struck her frozen hands. She shot a glare in the direction of the speaker.

“Malcolm, don’t do that! You know I don’t like being snuck up on.” She said it as she flicked her hand repeatedly in an attempt to fend off the sting of her knuckles which were now bright red.

“I’m sorry,” he said, holding up one hand in a peace-making gesture. His other arm was busy keeping him propped up on his blackwood cane. He offered a crooked smile, his yellowish teeth a contrast to his skin, pale, though not as starkly as Carris’s own complexion.

He took one large stride over the frozen runoff, his gait nearly twice Carris’s, and it could be more if he was not partially hunched by his cane. He was dressed rather raggedly, Carris thought, but that was often his way. He had on dark grey pants and a loose shirt that hung off his slight, but tall figure. His dark hair was short and spiky. It reminded Carris of a porcupine. His crooked nose reminded her of a raven, and his bright green, thin eyes reminded her of a snake. He was quite a compilation when put altogether.

“I saw Gwyn this morning on my way to the baker. She said you had been looking for me.”

Carris blushed. He was also kind, and that made up for any abnormalities or disfigurements.

“Oh, um, yes. Or no.” Carris kicked herself mentally to compose herself. “I heard about your mother. I know these winter illnesses can latch onto you like a wild dog. How is she?”

“She’s recovering nicely. Thank you for asking.”

He held out his free hand, and Carris tossed the azure stone his way. He snatched it out of the air with his gangly fingers. Carris just smiled, unsure where to take the conversation. She felt like a fake, standing before him, acting as if there was nothing amiss.

“And your father?” she asked.

She didn’t mean to say it, but the air was so still, and Malcolm was gazing intently upon the stone and she had to say something to break the silence. Because internally it was anything but silent.

“He’s fine as well. He’s been working more at the water mill. Got to keep things from freezing over to improve the longevity of the wheel. It all sounds rather droll, but I’d be happy to be fit enough to do it. He’s out much of the day, so it’s just been mother and I at home. He’s seemed happy these past few days though.”

Carris choked. She tried to stop herself from coughing, but that only exacerbated the whole problem, and she found herself hacking up a lung, her eyes tearing up. She was sure her face turned crimson. Malcolm shoved the stone in his pocket and came to her side, holding her arm as she failed to breathe like any normal person would in this situation.

“Are you alright? Falling ill yourself, are you now?”

Carris waved him off. She took a scoop of water from the runoff, and then another. The water was freezing but refreshing as she felt the heat rising up her collar and to her face.

“I’m quite well,” she said at last. “Just choked is all.”

“Yes, I believe the whole forest caught that. May have even woken a slumbering dragon from hibernation,” Malcolm said. “And how is your mother?”

“What?” Carris snapped her head up. “She’s fine, why would you ask?”

Malcolm raised an eyebrow on his tall forehead. “Because…you were asking me about my parents. I thought it only civil to reply in kind.”

“Of course,” Carris said, screaming at herself internally.

“Although, the last time I asked that question you said that she was ‘likely a spawn from some ancient demon’, so I’m pleased to see things have progressed in a more agreeable manner.”

Carris snorted. “I wouldn’t exactly say that.”

Malcolm’s eyebrow remained raised.

“It’s been agreeable, only in so much as we have barely been in each other’s presence to have the chance to disagree. I am learning that the best way to stay on speaking terms is to avoid each other as much as possible.”

“Did something happen?”

Carris couldn’t tell if he knew anything. If he did, those narrow eyes and high cheekbones would never let on. He was always so good about keeping his emotions in when he wanted to. It was possible that he knew nothing of what his father had really been doing during his extra time at work. It was also possible that, like Carris, he would rather shove it ten feet under the frozen soil and pretend it wasn’t real.

She shook her head. “Another fight. It’s the same thing over and again. I’m left taking care of the home and she is never around when needed. But don’t worry, I take full blame for her lack of happiness. I know that it is because of me that she has not had the life she desires or deserves.”

Malcolm furrowed his brows. Some emotion at last. “Carris, don’t speak that way. You know those are lies she tells you to feel better about her own shortcomings. If you were to leave, she would be forced to realize that.”

Carris smirked. “Are you trying to rid yourself of me? I’m sure she would happily help.”

“I’m only saying that I would understand if you left us,” MalcolmDevlin said.

“Us?”

“Look at me, Carris. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I’m sure Gwyn’s gaggle of brothers and sisters will keep her chained here. But you, you have a real chance to leave this place. To make a name for yourself.”

Carris felt a flutter in her chest. He had such a way of encouraging her. She couldn’t tell him of his father. It wasn’t right. At least, that’s what she told herself. But was she really doing it for him, or for her own selfish needs?.

“Do you really believe that? Who has ever even heard of Potter’s Creek besides soldiers coming through on to some grander and greater place, or salesmen who leave at the first chance to make a bit of coin somewhere else. What good has ever come out of this place?”

“I’d like to think that you might break that line.”

Carris sighed. “Yes, but even then, it would just be me leaving. I would not be representing what this place offers. I would be showing others that it is not worth staying in.”

Malcolm shifted on his cane. “I’ll say no more on the matter. Perhaps you’re right. But even if not for Potter’s Creek, why not leave for yourself?”

Carris bit her lower lip. She hesitated to speak for a moment. “Because, as much as my mother and I fight, I must believe that we can make it better. I have no other family. She has no other family. I don’t think I could abandon her. Maybe, one day, she will change.”

“That is a kind thought,” Malcolm said.

“But?”

Malcolm protested. “I said I would not continue on this matter.”

“Yes, to spare my feelings. But I’m asking you as a friend, to speak plainly to me.”

“I am your equal, in age and experience. I’ve seen no more of the world than you, no different people or places. But it seems to me that your hope is a foolish one. There is more to see and experience. Take your mother with you, if need be, but you should see more of this world than one tiny mountain village.”

Carris held out her hand. “I don’t think she would go for that.” She took the stone from Malcolm’s open palm. “But maybe going away from this place for a time would be good for her. Good for us.”

Malcolm stood as tall as he could and began to walk toward the village. “As someone who has been cooped up like a rooster for a week, I think we could all use a time away from this place.”

He shivered and tucked his head into his shoulders. “Everyone goes so crazy, stuck together and isolated.”

“Well, look what happens when we go outside. We get snuck up on by strange men,” Carris said. She passed him by before letting a smile crease her face.

“Yes, and pale witches performing rituals with mystical rocks,” he shot back.

“I am no witch. I do not have nearly the blood, herbs, dead animals, or dried bones for that. Although, I know I ripe subject to acquire some of those things.” She shot him a fierce scowl.

He laughed. It was hoarse and cackly. Perhaps he was the witch.

He continued as they neared a frozen patch of the creek. “I do not have a witch’es brew, but if you come to my cabin in the woods, I may offer you some tea.” Beneath her breathe she added “I’m sure there’s some ale hidden away too.”

Malcolm gingerly crossed the ice, his tongue sticking out in concentration. “I’ve never heard anything so kind, and wholly absent of witchcraft, as that offer.”

Carris shrugged. “Take it or leave it. If not you, I’ll find some other poor, lonesome soul out on the ridges and cliffs. But jesting aside, my mother should still be out for another hour or so. Would you care for tea?”

Malcolm finished crossing, breathing heavily.

“I may also have some frozen jam and bread,” Carris taunted.

“If you were a witch, that would have been a far more convincing first offer.”

He looked up at the sun, gauging its position in the sky. Carris grabbed his wrist with both hands.

“Come along. Your mother will surely survive being alone for another hour. And as you said, being cooped up is enough to make one go mad, and the last thing I could handle this winter is my friend losing his wits. They’re quite sharp, and in short supply around here.”

Malcolm gestured for her to lead the way, and they were soon at the cabin. A thick wooden chest to the right of the front door was opened and revealed an assortment of frozen berries, jams, and half a winter’s supply worth of meat cuts. If there was any benefit to living in a place that was frozen for half the year, it was the longevity it provided food, especially in a small village where most only grew enough to last them until the next year’s harvest.

Carris led the way inside, suddenly unsure of why she had invited him inside. She was asking to let something slip out, especially as she set the jar of jam on the table and the flashbacks began to roll. But Malcolm was delightful company, and soon they were talking about lighter subjects, memories of their childhood, foolish things they had done that had nearly resulted in injuries much sooner than Malcolm’s, the one that had left him limping with a cane.

Malcolm was brushing the bread crumbs off his shirt when he asked Carris where she would go if she could go anywhere.

Carris sat in thought. “I’m not exactly sure. Somewhere warmer. Less hilly. A place where the sun has a chance to breathe in between its rising and setting.”

“Perhaps the Royal City? It is set in a sunlit plain after all.”

Carris shook her head side to side. “That’s more Gwyn’s dream than mine. I think she would secretly slip away if she could.”

Malcolm sank back in his chair and rested his hands on his belly. “She always has seemed a bit quirky.”

Carris sat up, a little rigid. “You just don’t know her well enough. If she could, she would go exploring before either of us would. But she has duties to her family, just like we all do.”

Malcolm shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe she’s just scared. Like us.” He added the last bit in an attempt to show he meant no hostility her way.

The door yawned open and in walked Sandra. Today she was much more put together. Her thick chocolaty hair was down one shoulder in a thick braid, her dress was smoothed and danced just an inch above the floorboards, her face was bright and her eyes clear. She smiled broadly at Malcolm as she entered, revealing a row of pearly teeth. He removed her shawl and hung it on a peg beside the door.

“How good to see you young master Collums,” she said.

Malcolm smiled back. “You look radiant as ever,” he replied.

“How is your mother?” Sandra asked, gliding across the room and brushing Carris’s cheek with a soft touch as she headed for the boiling pot over the fireplace.

“She is doing well today, thank you for noticing.”

Sandra waved him off. “Think nothing of it. I’ve known your mother for years, but I’ve never seen her battle so many illnesses in just one year. Has Physician Olander found any cause for it?”

Malcolm frowned. “No, it seems to have come from the ether. It is beyond his training. But don’t fret. She’ll be back on her feet in no time.” He gave her a nod and a smile. He turned to Carris. “Speaking of which, I should be getting back to her.”

Sandra clasped her hands together and her face became a painting of sympathy. “Yes, of course. Family is everything,” she said. “Give my best to your father as well.”

She walked him to the door and let him out, as Carris fumed in silent rage behind their backs. The door shut, and as Sandra turned her countenance fell. She sighed and stepped back to the fireplace, sinking into the one plush chair they had. Carris balled her fists.

“What was that, Mother?” She snapped.

Sandra rolled her head back and closed her eyes. “What was what, dear?”

“Dear? Ew. Don’t call me that. How could you say family is everything, and pretend like everything is dandy?”

“Don’t be absurd. I was simply being cordial. And if I didn’t know any better, I would guess that you haven’t said anything to him either.” Her eyes flittered open and she gave Carris a scowl. “Yes, look at how terrible your mother is, while you follow in her miry footsteps.”

Carris scoffed. “Follow you? I’m trying to protect him. I don’t even know what I would say?”

“Could it be because there is nothing needed to be said,” Sandra said.

“But it does need to be said. “Carris held her head in her hands. “I just don’t know how to let him know, without ripping out his heart.”

Sandra groaned. “Then let it be. It hurts no one.”

“It is hurting me, to lie to my best friend!” Carris stood from her chair. “It is hurting us, that you would do this to Malcolm and to his mother.”

“Hurting? Mr. Collums is deep in the snow, suffering alone as his wife withers away and his son looks towards a bleak future as his own strength fails him. I am but a comfort to him as he grieves the loss of his beloved.”

Carris was speechless. This was how her mother always twisted things. She had a desire, and she would spin a web of confusion and misdirection to get her way. “This is not about him. This is about you. As always, it is about what you want.”

Sandra laughed, a hysteric cackle. “Yes, I know, I your mother, am a tyrant. I only shelter you, bathed you, fed you and raised you, but those are naught but frivolous memories. Because the All-Knowing Carris, kept safe from the harsh realities of the world, thinks she knows better than I.”

Carris bit her tongue. She could feel anger rising in her chest. Her thoughts were a blurry mess, her eyes threatened to shed tears, and despite her best attempt her lip began to quiver.

“I will not let you do this to my friend.” Carris kicked the table leg. “I cannot believe that I have stayed with you in the hopes that we might make amends, that I owed you that.”

Sandra stood at her feet, her face reddening. “If you feel so strongly, you may leave at any time. I am sure you know how to take care of yourself. But don’t come squirming back to me when you realize that the world is a cold and cruel place, that it will kick you every chance it can, and that when a glimmer of happiness shines through the dark you must grab it and hang on like your life depends upon it. Because it does!” She was screaming now, her lip curling and her eyes darkening with rage.

Carris could hold back the tears no longer. “You monster!”

Sandra roared like some underworld creature, a vile smirk on her face. “You are an ignorant child. Sixteen years and it has been a waste. You will not speak to me this way. Get OUT of my house. Now!”

Carris yelled and stormed out, slamming the door so hard that great clumps of snow slid off the roof, and the very foundation of the cabin rattled. She rushed into the woods, oblivious to where she was headed in the growing darkness.