A Name of my Own
It was going to rain; I knew it. I knew it even before the clouds started to form overhead and ominously drift across the once clear sky. I have always had a special connection with the earth. Back when my husband was still alive, I convinced him to plant me a garden, and I have tended it ever since; it is more of a way to remember him than these black widow's weeds, at any rate.
Mimiko was helping me harvest the last of the fruit from my orange trees, piling the plump fruits on top of one another in a wicker basket. I turned to him. "Mimiko," I said.
"Yes, Widow Sourmelina?"
It's always 'Widow' this, and 'Widow' that; that's what everyone calls me now. I've become identified with a title. If my husband were only still alive, they might remember my name. Maybe I might, too.
"Go get my ewe and take her inside. It looks like it's going to rain."
"Yes, Widow Sourmelina." He grinned and returned to the tree, harvesting oranges.
I waited for him to put down the basket and go, but he did no such thing; thus, I frowned. "Well?"
"She ran off somewhere."
"Where?"
"I don't know. These are pretty oranges, Widow!"
"Mimiko…" I tried to keep my anger in check, balling my hands into fists and digging my fingernails into my skin to distract myself. Taking a deep breath, I said, "Where do you think she went?"
"The ewe?" Nonchalantly, he picked another orange off the tree and said, "I think she ran to town."
"Well, then, why don't you go look for her?"
"I'm still working, Widow Sourmelina."
If it had been anyone else but Mimiko, I might have slapped him right then and there, but his helpless, innocent grin softened my heart. "Poor puppy." Though the corners of my lips tugged upwards, however, I only managed a sort of half-smile. "All right, I'll hurry down to town and see if I can find the ewe. You put those inside the house when you're finished and then come down and offer a reward for anyone who can find my ewe. Are we clear?"
Mimiko nodded. As I turned to leave, I heard over my shoulder, "Why would they want money, Widow?"
I didn't respond, but merely kept on walking.