Ember Meets June (conclusion)

The next day Ember opened the door of their lodging early in the morning. This was to be the day her Knight planned to depart on his trip to another village. June was already standing out in the middle of the narrow dirt road, waiting, with another book and a satchel in which Ember suspected was more butcher paper and pens. Several other people, mostly young ones, stood outside as well, waiting to catch yet another view of the strange visitor.

“Why are you standing out there, June?”

June apparently misunderstood the question, because she looked at some of the other eager young faces and thought they were her competition for the role of mentor.

“I… I was hoping to be chosen again. I liked helping you.”

Ember stared at her for a long moment, somewhat confused by this answer. As she did, June became anxious and unsure. “Maybe,” June thought, “I seem presumptuous or prideful to want to be ‘the one’ again today. I've spoiled a good first impression.” She blurted out, “It’s all right if you don’t want my help again today. Or if you want someone else. I… I’ll go now.”

Ember suddenly realized two things. The initially bright happiness in the girl’s face was fading. And her voice had changed, becoming quieter, more uncertain. Suddenly, Ember said, “What do you mean by ‘chosen again’? I’ve chosen. Yesterday. Must I choose anew each day?”

“No! I meant….”

“Then come. Come in and let us talk of what I ought to be doing today. I’ve much to learn.” The effect on the girl’s countenance told Ember she’d said the right thing.

They spent the day wandering about, June making Ember guide their way here and there at her directing. As they went, June pointed out people and spilled bits of personal information, relationships, and sometimes gossip about them. After a long time doing this, June smiled and said, “You have a good memory.”

“Thank you. So… you’ve shown me most of the places in the village and I’ve met people but when do I get to see your house?”

“Oh… you don’t need to see that. It’s not interesting.”

“June? Are you ashamed to show me your house? You should know I’ve lived in caves and forests and any human house is sure to seem to like luxury to me.”

“No, it’s not the house. It’s what’s in the house.”

“I don’t understand.”

“My parents… Mom doesn’t much like that you’ve chosen me to show you around. Don’t get me wrong. She’s happy to have you here in the village, she just… wishes you weren’t spending all day with me.”

“I’m sorry, June. Perhaps I should choose someone…”

“NO! Please… no. I want this. I… I need this.”

“But your mother…”

“Has always been unhappy with whom I call friends. There’s… someone you haven’t met yet. I want you to meet him but, you see… he’s as unpopular with Mom as me being your guide is. No… even more so, I think. He’s my friend, but he’s not really well-liked by most people here. Turn right here.”

“Why did you say you need this?”

“Maybe some other time? I’m not sure I know how to explain. Not yet. Here… that’s my house.”

A neat but small home stood back from the dirt lane and in the front, puttering about in a little garden, was a man who saw them and waved. “That’s my father.”

The man left his tools and approached the two. He gave a bob of his head. (A hint of a bow? Ember thought.) “Has my June worn you out yet, Miss Ember?”

“Not at all. I’ve been having a pleasant time learning about my new home from her.”

“Excellent! June… would you run inside and see if Sofia is ready for some company? That’s a girl.”

When June disappeared into the house, the man said, “I’m August, by the way.”

“June and August?”

“Aha, yes, well… doesn’t seem very imaginative now, does it?”

“It strikes me as nice, somehow.”

“Thank you… Miss Ember, my wife is a little concerned about June being…”

“I know. June was honest and clear about this with me, just now. I’ve offered to choose another…”

“Oh, no, Miss Ember. No. I don’t wish that at all.”

“Truly?”

“For a fact. Perhaps you wouldn’t notice but… June isn’t like a lot of other girls her age. She’s always been very… serious. I know many think her a little odd. But I’ve seen how responsibility for your, shall I say, education has brightened her up suddenly. If I may say something without insult…?”

“You’re June’s father, speak plainly.”

“You’re… well, strange. Different, I mean. Naturally. And… it occurs to me that perhaps you may understand my daughter in a way I’ve never been able to. You understand?”

“I think I may, yes. Understand you, I mean. I think it will be a while before I understand her. She’s not at all the young person I thought she was when we first met.”

“I know you mean that as a complement. So long as she’s happy… and as far as you can be friends… you’ve my blessing.”

“She’s coming, perhaps we ought to change subjects.”

“Father, Mom says she’s too busy right now.”

August winked at Ember so June could not see. “You two ought to return to your lessons then. I think I must see about arranging something for those beans to climb on. Lovely chat, Miss Ember. I hope we may talk more sometime soon.”

When they were beyond August’s hearing, June asked, “So… what did Father tell you after I was maneuvered out of sight?”

“Nothing that you’d disapprove of, dear. He’s proud of you and how you’ve taken me in hand. And he hopes we will become friends.”

“He said that? Oh… I’ll never understand that man.”

“That’s interesting. He said much the same about you.”

“Huh!” They walked on a bit in silence after that. Then June said, “I think… Yes, tomorrow I’m going to introduce you to the man my mother doesn’t like.”

“Has he name?”

“For now, just think of him as Grumpy. You’ll see why.”