#jonah powers

Growing up, ma and da had shown affection by slipping wellies onto little Leod's feet and handing him clumps of soil to grade for fertility. Immersed in earth; it was no wonder he was late to bloom. Jonah clearly had a different upbringing - one that made him no less inclined to haul soil, but didn't stop him from wiping dirt from his brow to kiss his girlfriend hello.

What would life be like if Leod had broken off his marriage to the land? He tried not to wallow in possibilities that branched off from past decisions, but he supposed he might have married Cyd. He might have remained single, but considered settling down with Gabe instead - recently, his best friend had revealed a discovery of attraction to men, and the pair were enjoying a date at the pub.

The casual connection was nice. Leod couldn't imagine not being there for his friend, helping him to figure things out. The land could allow that - a partner, likely, would not.

Leaving the farmhouse empty for the first evening in years was an attractive opportunity for thieves eyeing up the village. The safe, full of the day's takings from the barn shop, was broken into - but thankfully not emptied, as the police were on the lookout. Leod sent a thank you note to Homer Land at the station.