"It was the Spanish flu," he says softly, as if that explains everything about it. If Hugh were a local boy, it probably would.
Cricket knows next to nothing about this kid so far, but when he comes closer to sit beside him, he smiles a little, welcoming the company. He catches his breath when the boy leans against his shoulder, having not really expected such trust so quickly and feeling a bit like he's invited a wild creature to sit with him, one that might bolt if he coughs or moves wrong.
There's more work to be done to tend the stills, but it won't hurt to wait a little while the fire heats and stabilizes, and so after a moment he puts his arm around Hugh's shoulders gently.
"I ain't got a lot, but I reckon I can keep you fed, if nothin' else. I live with my Aunt Winnie. She's not quite right in th' head, so she wouldn't notice or mind you bein' around. Just don't ever ask her for biscuits. Not sure why that sets her off, but it does."
The shack is warming up around them now, the temperature getting more pleasant.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2019-04-22 04:32 pm (UTC)Cricket knows next to nothing about this kid so far, but when he comes closer to sit beside him, he smiles a little, welcoming the company. He catches his breath when the boy leans against his shoulder, having not really expected such trust so quickly and feeling a bit like he's invited a wild creature to sit with him, one that might bolt if he coughs or moves wrong.
There's more work to be done to tend the stills, but it won't hurt to wait a little while the fire heats and stabilizes, and so after a moment he puts his arm around Hugh's shoulders gently.
"I ain't got a lot, but I reckon I can keep you fed, if nothin' else. I live with my Aunt Winnie. She's not quite right in th' head, so she wouldn't notice or mind you bein' around. Just don't ever ask her for biscuits. Not sure why that sets her off, but it does."
The shack is warming up around them now, the temperature getting more pleasant.