“What! you still want to leave?” Reuben wasn’t surprised to hear Esther-Jo echo Joseph’s sentiment. It’s been six months since the funeral and Reuben finally felt ready to leave the family farm. Painting has been his dream, and he knew deep down, that Pa would’ve wanted him to follow this dream. At least he hoped so.Â
Esther-Jo, on the other hand, wasn’t doing her best to play the supportive little sister. “Reuben, you simply can’t go”, she had whined at him for weeks now and on the day of his departure, had refused to get off his trunk. “EJ,”he’d said, hoping the nickname made her more amiable, “you know I must, and I’ll never be far from you. If ever you do miss me, you’ll have my hat, you can put it on Joseph and pretend I’m here”, he’d smiled. She finally laughed.
Soon it was time to say goodbye, Reuben hugged his brother, sister and his Ma. He felt like a boy of but 5 years, but still, he squared his shoulders, ready to embark on a new adventure. First stop Peggy’s.
