The sound of tapping, creaking boards as the patchy quilts rose and fell in a slow motion. The day had been passing her by, yet the poor thing hidden under the covers was just too tired. Her hands were still covered in dirt, blisters appearing on her fingers and palms. Her face smeared in earth as her features stayed in a peaceful expression.
She was having a wonderful dream, the smell of fruit filling her senses as she stared at the clear sky with wide, innocent eyes. She was overlooking the beach, her bare feet curling into the grass while her grandfather sat a ways behind her, a basket holding their lunch resting at his side as he called her name. "Annora...Annora!"
"Miss Annora! Are you awake yet?" The ponding of the door caused her to open her eyes. Blue orbs looking around as the sun seeped through some of the holes in the house, dust dancing in the rays as they flew about with every knock. She felt like the dead, every muscle in her screamed as she pulled off her blanket, her legs strained from the very motion of sitting up as the cold nipped at her sun burnt skin.
Unsteadily, she began to make her way to the door. Opening the barrier to revel Mayor Lewis, a smile on his features as he stood with energy fit for a teen. "Why Annora, its almost noon and you're not awake yet? Are you okay?" She only nodded her head, she felt terrible, but it was just because she wasn't used to such back breaking work. "I'll get over it" she signed, hands waving in slow patterns only to remember that the Mayor probably doesn't understand basic sign language.
"Well Annora, I wanted to check up on you. Maybe offer you a ride into town but it seems you were so exhausted that you didn't even change clothes." Pointing to her grimy jeans and shirt, the woman felt her cheeks grow red as she rubbed the back of her neck. Why didn't she change? She would have slept so much better if she had her night clothes. The nagging sensation at her mind, she leaned against the wall only for her eyes to grow wide as her chest tighten at the memory of last night.
The haunting sounds, the wispy black form as the smell of rot wafted to her nose. How could she have forgotten such a sight? It seemed she was wearing her heart on her sleeve as Lewis began to look worried for her. "Now now Annora, don't worry, you can just change. I'll be happy to wait for you so you can introduce yourself." She only nodded her head, slowly closing the door as she sank to the splintering floor, her head falling into her hands.
She didn't even care when she heard the rats skitter over the ground. She's never been so frightened before, yet last night was something that rattled her very soul. And now, she was faced with the possibility that it could happen again, what if she came home too late in the night and found that thing keeping her from her cottage. She could only imagine the horrors that would face her if something like that got a hold of her tiny frame.
Still, she couldn't think of that right now. Lewis was waiting on her. He was nice enough to offer her a ride, least she could do is not keep him waiting. Grabbing hold of the windowsill, she began to pull herself up. Her joints cracking in a cringe worthy sound of pops and snaps that bounced off the walls. Reaching over for a set of clothes that were folded on her bed, she began to change, tossing the dirty clothes in a heap. Her wardrobe not being the most diverse thing in the world, Annora strove to dress practically, pants with pockets and fabric to keep out the cold.
Walking back out to the porch, She was greeted with the baring sun and the sweet smell of spring. Looking over the wobbly rail, she couldn't help but smile when she found that her parsnips weren't trampled by the terror of the night. The trails of freshly turned soil marked in clean rows caused her to have a bit of pride blossom in her chest. "You ready dear?" Waving to the male that was just on the other side of the gate, she quickly grabbed her watering can, giving a look of apology as she sprinkled the seeds to try and give them life. One day these little guys will sprout, and she'd be able to eat them, her own food that she made, it would take time but it would be worth it.
Running after the Mayor, he only offered a smile when she gave him a sheepish look for causing him to wait. "Now now, don't you worry. Your farm comes first, gotta raise those crops if you want to eat." She only nodded, following him to his pick up and climbing into the passenger seat. The doors creaking as she closed them as he turned the keys that were still in the ignition. "Have you been to town since you came home?"
She shook her head, showing him her hands and watching his eyes go wide. "You been hard at work I see. Well you should remember to go to the clinic then, get those checked out so you don't burn out in the field."
The ride was a peaceful one, passing by rolling hills and grassy fields. The wind causing the greens to dance, flower petals flying through the air in graceful waves as they dusted the dirt road in yellows, whites and pinks. A bumpy ride that would cause the girl to fly with the pot holes, yet she still enjoyed the pleasant scene that was stretching out before her.
It was a small town, the dirt passing into stone as a few stores stood side by side. A smile on her features when she recalled rushing into the general store for a sweet, her grandfather in toe. Pelican town had hardly chanced since childhood. It was a reliving sight, one that caused her chest to lighten up as she took in a deep breath of the valley air. "Before you run off, lets go take you to Dr Harvey, he can fix up those hands and you'll be good as new." Before she could even mention to the Mayor she was fine however, Lewis was already climbing out of his truck, coaxing her to follow as he held the door open to what seemed to be a small time hospital, looking more like a normal house than anything.
Slowly she made her entrance, head slightly down as she looked around. She didn't want to be a burden, she could have wrapped her hands herself and not cause anyone to worry. The smell was a strange one, metallic almost, sterile with the air of cleaning supplies as if she was in her own little bubble. She had to admit, she was not exactly fond of this place. "Ah, Lewis! It's good to see you, here for a check up?"
A young girl with tan skin and dark hair was behind the counter. Dressed in a simple nurse uniform, Annora found herself giving a shy wave. Lewis coming up behind her, she felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump. "No not for me Maru. This here is miss Annora. Our new farmer, she messed her hands up a little bit trying to breath some life into the old place."
She watched as Maru blinked a few times, frozen at the sight of a new person only to break out into a genuine smile. It was a gesture that could light up the room. "Annora huh? It's nice to meet you! I'm Maru, come here, come here. Harvey is doing a home check up but if its just your hands, I can help." Moving behind the counter, she mentioned the farmer to follow. Opening a back door to show a normal looking hospital room. "Take a seat please, wow, a new farmer huh? I'm actually happy you came, you'll be good for us."
Tilting her head in question, Maru took her silence as a invitation. Her back still turned to the woman as she rummaged through the drawers. "You see, a few months ago, this place got a very unwanted addition to our valley. JoJo corp decided to open a new store here..." Her voice tapering off, the nurse let out a long sigh. "It's such an eye sore, the owner is terrible too. But with a farmer here, we'll have more options to get our food right?"
Turning back to Annora, with an awaiting gleam, the woman could only nod. "Wow you're quiet, don't worry we're all friends here. Show me your hands please." Not knowing what else to do, she held up her palms, only to get a whistle in return. "Wow, you really have been hard at work. Good thing the Mayor brought you in. Here, this is on the house okay, a welcome present." Quickly she took her palms, cleaning out the dirt with care as she dressed her sores before wrapping them at the perfect tightness. "There you go Annora, how's that feel?"
Flexing her hand, Annora smiled at the other woman, nodding her head to try and show her that it was just the right amount. Sadly, Maru just stood there waiting. "You okay? Does your throat hurt?" Eyes wide, Annora quickly shook her head, reaching up she began to do a basic sign to her mouth. "No speak"
"Oh my god I'm so sorry! You're not deaf are you? Wait, what am I asking, you can't hear me if you're deaf...umm.." The display was enough to cause a bit of laughter to escape her. Shoulders shaking, a awful wheezing noise crawled from her body while a smile sparkled in her gaze. The sight must have been a odd one, it was enough to cause Maru to slow down and watch the girl for a bit. "So...you're not deaf? You just can't speak?" Nodding her head, Annora calmed herself down. Least she figured it out. An awkward laugh escaping the poor nurse, she began to rub the back of her head as she started to throw away the wrappers. "Well if that's the case, I guess I'll have to learn sign language, huh. It will be a fun pass time."
The offer to learn was a heart-warming thing indeed. Annora couldn't help but feel grateful as she put her fingers to her lips, creating the sign for thank you as she seemed to already start making a friend.