After the events of yesterday, one could say the tension was still sharply felt by all members of the family. Most were sitting outside to work while they could. Ben fixing a net. Simon attaching bait to new fishlines. Rose fixing a hole in a shirt. And the other children with their own chores. None of them were speaking. Some of the younger children exchanged glances now and then. But even little Bram was sitting entirely still at his chore.

Rose looked up, but then cast her eyes down. Simon never looked up at all. Ben looked up when he saw Elijah. Yesterday had been uncomfortable, but the young man was like family. "Elijah. Good to see you. Rose. Please fetch Elijah a chair and prepare him some tea." Instantly, the child put her work down, got up and rushed up the steps to their cottage.