For Clark

[246th]

She hasn't lived there long but, already, she knows that moving into the GAE was the right decision. The house is beautiful, plenty of room for her and Alfie, even when Aidan stays, and she's close to the ocean. It's a bit of a walk to the compound but, with the sling that helps her wear Alfie slung against her chest, she doesn't mind the walking

Comments

[only_son]

Most mornings these days, Clark spends wending his way through the pathways around the GAE's little clutch of cottages. Growing up on a farm had instilled him with both a sense of pragmatism and pride about the things he's built, and he keeps a weather eye forever out for potential issues. Better to catch them before they cause problems to the people who have trusted him to provide a safe and comfortable place to live.

This morning he's got his tool belt casually looped over one shoulder and is idly considering whether he might get some gardening in before lunch when he spots Martha and her little boy. From his place on the path, he pauses and lifts a genial hand.

"Morning," he calls, all cornfed politeness in his smile.

[246th]

"Clark," she says, genuinely pleased to see him. In London, she'd never known any of her neighbours but here, on the island, she felt looked after. Cared for.

"Just passing through or fancy a chat?"

[only_son]

"I would love a chat," Clark replies, utterly sincere, and moves over to take a seat one the porch's topmost step. He sets the tool belt carefully aside and cranes his neck to peer inside the basket.

"He looks content," he notes, and sits back. "I haven't heard him at night, does he keep you up much?"

[246th]

"He's pretty content," she says, still rocking the basket. "And he's quiet, too. He doesn't really cry. He just...watches the world go by. I don't know where he comes by it; I just know that it's nothing like me or his father."