Remains
Matthew Ryan Fischer
A thousand or more marched off, with little more than their pitchforks,
axes for chopping wood, and the occasional hunter who knew how to use a bow and
arrow. Their blood would run quick and easy. The tears would be shed, but
winter would be on the way and soon enough there was work to be done, fields to
tend to, and children to be raised.
Among the old and young, there was Andre. No one ever asked why he
had remained. Some said he was too old, or too weak, or the limp was too pronounced.
Andre smiled and accepted any help that was offered. Another might let pride
get in the way, but not Andre. He was a kind and compassionate man and helped
the widows as best he could. He was poor in the fields and worse with the
animals, and only passable when it came to watching children. But he tried and
they were all desperate for respite, even if it was only a minute or two.
Andre offered a tender ear and in return, he ate well that year. He
never gained weight, but his skin did brighten and his smile widened, so the
women took it to mean they had done their job well. Tears dried and scabs began
to cover the holes in their hearts. Many women claimed they never would have
survived their sadness if not for his concern and caring words. Andre would
chuckle and blush and say they saved him, not the other way around. They were feeding
and clothing him after all.
The season changed and time moved on and the wars paused and the
remaining men returned.
There were fewer and fewer homes for Andre to visit or offer
assistance to. He returned to his home in the woods, but when one of the town’s
women ventured out to visit him, she found the cabin empty. People asked
questions, but no one seemed to concerned. He had talked of family in other
towns. It was likely that when he felt he wasn’t needed here as much, he had
taken the time to go and visit other family or friends.
One of the children swore they had seen him walking away from the
village late one afternoon. The man looked spry with no visible limp. It didn’t
sound like Andre and no one paid too much attention to the story.
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