Chapter Text
Dedham, a small town in England so uneventful that anything and everything spreads like wildfire.
Life is nothing but an endless loop of eat, sleep, repeat. Every morning I wake, staring into the empty bedroom across the hall that once belonged to my dear brother. I strongly dislike this cottage of mine, yet I can’t seem to part with it.
My family was forced to flee France, due to the revolt of the working class. The farther we went, the more sick Claude had become. No one knew how he had gotten sick, or what it even was. We just knew that nothing could help him. It wasn’t long until he couldn’t move at all, and all I could do was sit at his bedside. I waited until the day he would come outside and play in the garden of yellow roses with me.
“Don’t worry, Joseph! By the time the flowers have grown, I’ll be all better!” Claude withered away as the yellow roses grew with the rain that had fallen on that day.
Claude’s death was accompanied by the pity of townsfolk and a growing hatred towards me from my mother and father. Of course, it was “my fault” Claude had gotten sick in the first place. As obvious as it is, I was not the favorite son. Claude was smart, always getting the highest marks, whereas I was more interested in the garden rather than my academic activities.
My parents left as soon as they could, leaving me in the care of my elderly neighbors. Everyone, unfortunately, knows me, and knows what happened to Claude. It is most definitely hard to move on when you are constantly being reminded of your past. People still seem to ask me if I’m alright, years later. Why won’t they just let up already?
I hate this town, yet I’m still here. I hate this house, yet I can’t leave. I hate the spring, yet I always find myself sitting in the vast field of yellow roses alone. In the end, it is only myself who is tying me down. Foolish, isn’t it?
My morning cup of tea is always accompanied by the view of the vacant house across the street, which had become overgrown with vines and the like. Yet today was unlike any other. The once empty house had a new guest.
A small boy, his clothes barely fitting him. Silver locks were tied back into a low ponytail, reflecting the bright sunlight. I set my tea down, my sight not leaving this unfamiliar figure. Gloves encased his hands, along with a white cloth around his face. A mask of some sort? How strange.
But mon dieu... what a sight this was. Before I knew it, the boy and his luggage had vanished inside the cottage. A rush of panic set in, a fear that I might not see this person again. He seemed out of place here. Someone like him is unfit for a small town full of gossip.
A sigh escaped my lips. My tea had become cold. With that, I headed to my room to dress out of my nightwear. I needed to head out to the shops before things got busy, to pick up more film for my camera. I had become interested in art and photography after the death of my dear Claude. I want to be able to preserve the living, simply because they’ll last forever, even after parting.
Claude.. If only I had preserved you too..
I shook my head, dressing in a white undershirt and topping it off with my purple waistcoat embroidered in gold. My satchel hung just over my shoulder, swaying as I walked out the door. My hand was held over my eyes, blocking the harsh sunlight. The earlier I get things done, the better.
I decided to stop at a small bakery before picking up the film. My stomach begged for it anyways. A little bell on the door chimed as I opened it, and I was greeted by a little lady just a bit older than I.
“Oh my! What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Desaulniers!”
“Good morning to you as well, Miss. Antoinette.” A small smile tugged at my lips. Mary is one of the few people in this town that I can stand, as we are similar in a number of ways. Her excitement was expected, though, as it has been quite a while before we last had a chat over a cup of tea and sweets.
“Oh please, you know you may call me Mary. Anyhow, haven’t you heard?” She waved her hands before beginning to pack a few danishes for me to take.
“Then it’s Joseph to you as well, Mary. Though, I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.” My eyes followed her hands as she wrapped the box filled with my breakfast — which, might I add, smells delightful.
“Someone is finally moving into that cottage across from you. I’m surprised you hadn’t known.” She looked back up at me, her almost white locks getting in her face.
“My,” a small chuckle escaped my lips, “word sure does spread fast even this early in the morning, doesn’t it? Yes, I had seen him while I was having my morning tea.” I handed her a few coins, taking the box in my hand.
“I heard he was a handsome man~” She teased, tossing the coins in a little chest.
“Oh s’il vous plait. You know I’m not interested in anything of the sort..” Even so, I couldn’t deny that he was a handsome man.
“Yes yes.. You’ve mentioned more times than I can count the shillings in my chest!” She huffed, her slim arm whipping back to point at her small chest filled with shillings and crowns.
“Simply because you always meddle with my love affairs every time we chat. Not only that, but I just cannot wed another man.” I muttered. Of course, she doesn’t let up at all. A feisty one she is.
“Well if you can’t wed a woman then a man is the next best thing!” Her voiced was raised, frightening the customer that had just walked in.
“Mary..” I sighed and turned toward the customer, who was about to leave.
“My apologies sir, we are only practicing for an upcoming play. We hadn’t meant to frighten you.” I loathe talking to strangers as such, but I just have to clean up Mary’s troubles, as always.
“I can’t believe you!” I wanted to be angry, yet I could help but snicker. It seems Mary couldn’t either.
“‘Tis because you won’t listen to me and get a wife that my blood just boils at your stubbornness! I can’t help but get upset.” The man had left a bit ago, and it was almost time for me to get going as well.
“You’re stubborn as well, Mary. Not letting up about being an unwed man is quite tiresome. I suggest, for next time, keeping the talk of wedding another man out of the public’s ears. I have reason to believe the rest of the town doesn’t think so lightly about that sort of thing.” I sighed, the growling and rumbling in my stomach growing louder.
“Certainly.. though your face was quite funny.” She covered her mouth to stifle her giggle.
“I see. I’ll make sure to point out your face next time.” I smiled, nodding my head before waving my goodbyes.
“Stop by my cottage for some tea!” She yelled and waved as I walked out the bakery door, a danish in my hand.
What a silly friend.