Family

Felicity learns a bit about Saxifrage. Chapter 3 of 5.

The days passed quietly and slowly. Saxifrage mostly sat on the couch and offered one to three word responses to any question Felicity sent her way. Lucca stopped by every morning to check on her shoulder, which was healing quickly. Penelope seemed to find every excuse to stop by the cottage to gawp and prattle and Saxifrage. And Felicity settled in to her routine, tending the cottage and sewing in the evenings to put together a small wardrobe that was Saxifrage’s actual size.

One day, while Felicity was cleaning out the chicken coop, she heard the door open. She sat back on her heels and saw Saxifrage staring back at her, a look of terror on her face.

“Saxifrage! It’s good to see you out and about, are you doing okay?”

“Curious,” Saxifrage replied.

“Well, I’m just cleaning out this coop. You’re welcome to come in here and say hello to the girls.” Felicity turned back to her work and fought the urge to scream in delight when she saw Saxifrage come close enough that the nearest hen, Starshine, strutted over to investigate. 

Felicity forced herself not to stare but finally gave in to the urge and watched as Saxifrage gently carted her fingers through Starshine’s feathers. As Felicity watched, Saxifrage began to mumble to Starshine. Felicity listened carefully but wasn’t able to pick out any of the words.

Another hen, Windblow, clucked to bring Felicity’s attention back to her work and the empty grain dispenser. She huffed out a laugh and busied herself once again with her chores.

That night, Felicity had to call Saxifrage in when dinner was ready.

“Looks like you and Starshine got on well,” Felicity commented.

“Starshine?”

“The little white and brown striped hen you were petting. Her name is Starshine.”

“Pretty name.”

“Yes, Penelope’s older brother named her when he was about her name. The other name he was considering was Worm, so I’m very glad he decided on Starshine.”

“Family?”

“Hm?”

“Penelope.”

“Oh, Penelope’s my niece.”

Saxifrage nodded and fell silent again.

“Do you have a family?”

“Killed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Tried me,” Saxifrage said, pointing to her shoulder.

“Can I give you a hug?”

Saxifrage shook her head, and silence spread through the cottage.

“More you family?” Saxifrage finally asked.

“Yes, I have more family. My older sister is Penelope’s mom, and she has another son and daughter. My dad lives next door to her, and my uncle lives near them along with a few of my cousins.”

Saxifrage nodded, staring at her plate.

“You could be a part of our family if you stay long enough.”

“Wife?”

Felicity felt the heat rush to her face, “Oh, no, I didn’t- I don’t- I mean, I do like women, but I didn’t mean- just- you know what! Never mind you that.”

Saxifrage smiled at Felicity, and Felicity felt her heart melt.

“You good wife.”

Felicity spluttered. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Saxifrage said nothing but laughed in to her plate.