The first person Hannah saw when she walked into Chell that evening was Mrs. Appleby together with her husband, the two standing out among their crops. The simple image reminded Hannah of her own Ma and Da, how they worked together, loved each other. She would always believe that it was all their fault. Their separating from each other was what had undone this family so badly.

Mrs. Appleby called out Hannah's name, loud and shriekingly, that she wondered who in the village could not have heard.

"Hannah Iver," Mrs. Appleby exclaimed again, running up to meet her. "Finally back in Chell, are you? After you disappeared so quietly without telling anyone. Terrible girl!" She said it good-naturedly though, and Hannah spent a minute to ask after the woman and her family.

Soon, a few other faces showed from their houses, and she politely answered their greetings as she went towards home. Home, where her father lay buried.

Hannah moved briskly towards the gate, catching sight of the familiar dark soil with its marks and spikes. How it all must have missed her. She went up, pushing through the door. She even remembered that draft, and the way it smacked her in the face. She dropped her bag and looked around – everything seemed the same ... no. Wait. Not quite the same. She couldn't be sure but she thought her Da's rocking chair had been moved. She went into the kitchen, continuing her inspection. She remembered there had been biscuits in the jar on the shelf, but it was empty now.

Well. Either there was a ghost in this house, or some hungry trespassers had been here. Her blood rose suddenly, its force surprising her. Why didn't anyone understand that this house was sacred to her?

She went into the hall, reaching the door to her father's bedroom. She opened the door, and absolutely had the shock of her life.

There was a short scream, a woman's, more startled than anything else. Shapes burst up from the bed, but it was too dark to see. No candles had been lit. "W-who is it?" she said out loud, peering nervously into the black room.

"Hannah?"

Wait. She knew that voice. Footsteps came forward, and she saw a a man's embarrassed gray eyes. Seeing who it was made her just as embarrassed, if not worse. "Kurt," she gasped, blinking quickly. Her face burned hot as she realized what was happening, what had been happening.

Next to her old friend, Melanie appeared, her hair tousled, lips smeared pale. She looked cheeky, like a child caught for doing something harmless, but not very ashamed.

"What are you doing here?" Hannah demanded, more angrily.

"I'm so sorry," Kurt apologized.

"This is my father's room."

"I know."

"Are you hiding from someone?"

"No, no."

"I can't believe you would sneak in here like this. You have no respect for my family at all."

"That's not true. Please try to understand." He paused, glancing at Melanie. "Since Mel and I have been married, it's been impossible finding any time to ourselves. You know I love my family ... but our house is just too small for so many of us. All we wanted was some privacy."

"So you came here."

"I assure you we meant no offence, and we have not been improper. Please ... please forgive us?"

Hannah became quiet, looking towards his wife. For the first time, she saw the roundish swell of her tummy – faint, but definite. It was true. She flicked her eyes away, feeling upset, and Kurt seemed to notice it in her face.

"I'm so sorry, Hannah. I think it's best we leave now."

She said nothing, and made no move to stop the young couple either. That picture of the two of them, kissing shadows, seemed burned in her mind.

She listened as the door shut on the two of them, and felt just a little better – a very little. What an awful return. She would have led a much happier life had she never seen that intimate moment between Kurt and his wife.

She headed into her bedroom, glad to see that at least this room had been untouched. She stood before the window, looking out into the back garden. That was where she, or her Ma, used to wash the dishes, out in the open. And hang the wet laundry. And a little further in the back, a set of stones marked her father's grave. It was so shadowy out there, so eerie. And inside, the silence was almost painful compared to the liveliness of Magda's and Dalen.

That night, Hannah had great trouble sleeping. She kept thinking of Kurt, not sure if she regretted coming home after what she'd seen.

When she finally slept, she remembered only one of her dreams. She dreamt she was an old woman still living alone in Chell, but everyone she knew – Kurt, Kaye, Rio were young and happy, with husbands or wives on their arm. Then she saw her parents, and they stroked her hair and told her it was alright to be an old spinster, and they were so proud of her for staying and taking care of the land.

Made no sense.

She received a few visits the next day – one from Tom Avery, alone thankfully, and one from Kaye on her way to do her daily washing.

"I am sorry I won't be able to go the river with you." Hannah said, gazing at the heap of clothes. "But if you could spare a minute, why don't you come inside?"

"Well, I'm sure Mother won't find out. It would be crowded now at the river anyway."

"You never let that stop you." Hannah smiled, holding the door open as Kaye brought her basket inside.

"Do you know, I believe this is the first time I've ever been in your home?"

Hannah thought back a moment. "I think you're right." She gestured towards the kitchen. "I'm looking for something to eat. Why don't you come inside?"

Agreeably, Kaye followed her, taking a seat at the round kitchen table. Hannah searched the cupboards for food but could find nothing, and had to fetch some dried fruit from the store. "Unbelievable," she murmured, not expecting that Kaye would hear.

"What is?"

Hannah turned, facing her friend. "Oh ... nothing. So. I hear I'm to congratulate you?"

Kaye paused, her large eyes turning puzzled. "What for? "

"I hear you had an offer of marriage. From Brendan Fairweather, am I right?"

"Oh," she went, lowering her head. "That."

"Is it true?"

"It's true."

"So when is the big day?"

"There's not going to be one."

"What? What do you mean?""

She shrugged. "I've told Mother I don't like him. He's too old, and I don't think we're alike at all."

"So you've refused?"

"Oh, yes. I think Mother understands now, even though she was upset at first."

"But are you sure, Kaye?"

"Of course I'm sure. Why? Is there anything about him I should know?"

Hannah sat down, sharing the plate of fruit between them. "I thought you wanted a family. Don't you?"

"Not with just anyone, dear Hannah. No, I'd rather be alone. Would you marry Brendan Fairweather?"

She couldn't help making a face.

"There, see? Then what made you think I would either?"

"I'm sorry," Hannah replied. "I shouldn't have assumed ... I just thought that – "

"I know what you thought. That I might not have another offer again."

"Well ... I'm not exactly fighting off men either."

"I should hope that never to happen. Mother says too much attention from men is a bad thing. Look at my sisters. Pretty enough, all of them. And a lazy, vain lot too."

Hannah shrugged, not really all that comforted.

"What about you, Hannah? Haven't you any stories of your own to share yourself? Any good gossip from Dalen, any dashing men to speak of? We Chell girls must live vicariously through you, you know."

Hannah laughed. "No, no, I regret to report no scandals."

"Pity. We've had some scandal of our own."

"Oh? Here?"

"With Melanie, of course. Who else?"

"Yes," Hannah said, remembering the night before. "She's with child now."

"Have you heard what else they're saying? Heaven knows if it's true, but ... with Melanie, anything is possible."

Hannah did know. But she didn't like thinking of it. She didn't like imagining that Kurt could have done something so dishonorable. Was that the reason why he broke with Belle Carlton in the first place? So that he could bed ... her?

He stayed on her mind quite a bit that day, especially after everyone had come and gone, and she was alone. She felt sure Kurt must feel guilt over last night, and she was right. He came that evening, without the wife, bearing flowers and food from his mother. Apology gifts?

"Thank you," she told him in a flat voice, leaving the door open for him.

Silent, he walked through, standing in the middle of the room like an awkward stranger. Hannah put away the flowers and came back, staring at him. "Make yourself comfortable," she said, and he looked at her, smiling ironically.

He took a seat, while she planted herself in her Da's chair, where she felt very strong and in charge.

"My father came to see you this morning?" Kurt started off, polite.

"He did."

"It's a shame your brother wasn't able to make it."

"But no surprise."

"I really wish I'd known you were coming."

"So I wouldn't find out?" she said, and he tensed. "It's alright, Kurt. I'm teasing you. I'm not so angry anymore."

"Really?"

She nodded. "I'm happy for you, by the way. For your child."

"Yes," he said, his face going bright. "So am I."

"Do you hope for a boy?"

"A girl would be just as welcome to me."

"If it is a boy, you can expect he'll give you a great more trouble."

"That's not true, Hannah. All a man needs is purpose in his life, so he doesn't fall to idle sin."

You're quite a one to talk about sin.

"And what is your purpose, Kurt?"

"Family, of course. I want to give Melanie a comfortable home, and raise good children. I only hope we do a job as well as my parents."

Hannah went quiet, and he cocked his head. "Something wrong?" he asked.

"No. I think it's lovely." She cleared her throat. "So, I expect the baby will be born in winter?"

"What a time to come! But it can't be helped."

"You must start thinking of names."

"If you know any good city names, do feel free to share them."

She laughed. "No, I can't. That is too personal for me to be involved."

"I disagree." He stood up, coming to kneel next to her. She swallowed, finding herself staring at the wild mess of his oaken hair, his glistening skin. She could have touched him; he was so close. "I have a request for you, Hannah, if you would be so kind as to hear it."

"Oh? Tell me."

"Melanie and I had a talk today, and we decided that we would be very happy if you would be the baby's godmother."

Hannah pressed a hand to her mouth, forgetting everything else in that moment. "Me?"

"Yes," he went, nodding eagerly. "We want you to be involved as much as you can, and take care of the child if anything ever happens to us."

"Don't speak like that."

"I must be prepared."

"But I don't know how to be a godmother."

"Of course you do. You took great care of your family over the years, everyone says so. You're the perfect person."

"I'm honored, Kurt."

"So you agree?"

"No," she answered. "I can't."

He leaned back on his heels, surprised. "Why?"

"Because I'm not staying. I have to go back to Dalen."

"What for? A city's no place for us, Hannah. We're village folk."

"But Rio isn't. And I'm bound to him. So I must go."

He got up, blinking down at her. "I don't want to speak badly against your brother, but you know how rash he is. If he runs into trouble, you know you'll be involved. But who will help you there? What friends will you have?"

"I have friends. It isn't so a bad place as you think." Or as I used to think.

Kurt kept silent. He looked honestly sad.

"I am sorry that I cannot be the child's godmother. That I do regret."

"To me, the honor is still yours. I would appreciate your accepting it, even if you are not in Chell."

"Really?"

He stood up, nodding slightly. "It would mean a great deal to me and Melanie."

"Very well. I must come back then, hopefully with my brother next time."

"I hope so."

Soon after, he left, and as Hannah went to bed, she found herself drifting much more peacefully, now that her decision had been made.

...

After a few days being away from her brother, Hannah was growing anxious. She knew she had to leave soon, so she went through the house a final time, cleaning thoroughly, packing the last of her clothes and her mother's letters, giving away all the good stock in the store. She said a few last words to her Da, trying not to cry, then made her goodbyes to Kaye and the Averys.

While she was at the Avery house, she asked to speak to Kurt and Melanie privately, where she told them her idea. "I was honored when you told me you want me to be godmother to your child," she said, and Melanie touched her belly lovingly. "I feel I owe you both, especially you, Kurt, and your family, for all you've ever done for me."

"You know you must think nothing of it."

"No, I want to do something for you."

"What is it?" Melanie was curious.

"The house. Our house. You are welcome to it."

Kurt dropped his jaw. Melanie, by contrast, raised both her hands and jumped on Hannah – as fervently as a woman in her condition could. "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, you are so wonderfully kind! Thank you!"

"Hannah, you're not serious?" she heard Kurt's voice through Melanie's hair.

"I am," she said, carefully peeling Melanie off of her. "I know the two of you badly need a place of your own."

"But the land is yours! It's Iver land."

"The Ivers and Averys have always been like brothers, haven't we? We have always shared our homes, our food."

"But if you ever come back? Perhaps we could hold it for you indefinitely, in case you change your mind."

"Well ... I suppose that's fair."

"Alright?"

"Agreed." She held out her hand, and they both shook, Melanie laughing.

"It's the best news," the pretty girl crowed. "It is a lovely house."

"Hmm," Hannah went. "I only have one thing to ask."

"Anything," Kurt urged.

"Please take care of the land, especially ... especially my father's grave."

"I will," he promised, holding her shoulder for a moment. "You have my word."

"Thank you."

"Let me accompany you to the city, Hannah."

She paused, noticing the unhappy look that crossed Melanie's face. "No, you should be with your wife."

"Fadden then."

"No, please, it's broad daylight, and it's only a few hours. Rio's told me before the road's quite safe."

He frowned, and the two of them argued for awhile before she allowed him to walk her some way past the gate.

"Perhaps one day I should come and see you," he told her, as they stood alone on the road later, ready to break apart.

"I would like that."

"It's been years since I last saw Dalen."

She nodded, pursing her lips to control any emotion.

"Goodbye, Hannah," he whispered, finally turning away.

Goodbye, Kurt. Always will I wonder what could have been.

She went ahead, hoisting her bag, walking peacefully until she reached the city bridge. Seeing the sea and faraway towers of Dalen struck something in her, a feeling of lightness. She had grown more attached to this place than she'd realized, although Chell would always be home to her.

She went straight to Magda's and was glad to hear that she could return to the same room she'd had before. Tiredly, she went up, dumping her bags and dropping onto the lousy, familiar bed. Outside, the gentle murmur of footsteps and nuns' voices were a comforting lull, and she dozed off, resting until sometime in the night, when she heard knocking at her door.

"Hello? Hannah?"

She leaned up, surprised. She set her hair behind her ear, calling out, "Rio? Is that you?"

"Yes, let me in."

She got up, opening the door and seeing her brother's face.

"Finally," he said, pushing his way inside. "I've been checking in everyday, waiting for you to get back."

Hannah stood in place, watching as he crossed the room. Even though it was night, his hands and legs were filled with energy. "Yes, well, I'm here now."

He nodded, looking her over. "No trouble on the way?"

"No. Everything was fine."

"Right. Still, you could have told me."

"I did tell you. Just not directly."

"Why the sudden need to go home?"

"It wasn't sudden. You should know that. Anyway, how else was I supposed to speak to you?"

"I know, I know. But still."

She sighed, going to a corner and folding some of her used clothes. "You wouldn't have been able to come anyway, even if you wanted to."

He shrugged, leaning against the wall. "I don't really miss Chell. I'm sorry to say it, but it's true."

"Then I hope you won't mind when I tell you something."

"What is it?"

"The house. I've left it to Kurt and Melanie."

He straightened in surprise. "What?"

"They're starting a family. They need it far more than we do, and they promised to take care of it while we're away."

"You gave them our house?" He pulled his brows together, doing a hollow laugh. "That's awfully generous of you. Especially since it's not even your house to give really."

"Isn't it? Ma and Da are gone, as you said, and you have no interest in Chell anymore. So? Who else can claim it if not me? Who else kept it proper and made sure the soil didn't turn to rot?"

Rio gazed at her, looking suddenly sorry for his words. "Of course. You're right. If you trust them, then I won't say anything."

She paused, remembering the night she had last seen Kurt. "Also, they want me to be godmother to their first child."

"Kurt and Melanie?"

She nodded.

"Well. Parents already. So what does a godmother do?"

"Very simply, if anything happens to the parents, I am the child's guardian."

"What about old Tom Avery and his wife?"

"I suppose we would help each other."

"Unless something happens to them too. I see. You can never be too careful. Perhaps they learned to be prepared after looking at our family."

Hannah's face darkened, but he ignored it. "By the way, I have some good news of my own," he shared.

"What, what is it?"

He fished out something from his belt, holding it up proudly.

"It's just a bag."

"No, silly. Look inside." He tossed it in her lap, and she hunched over, pulling the purse strings open. A glimmer of coins gazed up at her.

"My first hard-earned payment, boosted by some card game takings. There's almost four hundred in there."

She sighed, handing the purse back to her brother. Rio peered at her, noticing her quiet. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing. It's just – I want to earn my own money too."

"Whatever for?"

"I'm bored here in the church."

"So? You don't have to work. Aren't there other pastimes for you? Cooking, knitting?"

"I mean it. I need to do something with myself, else I'll go mad sitting in here day after day."

"I understand, but I don't think it's a good idea. It's not easy finding work in this city."

"And how would you know?"

"Come on, Hannah. People tell me. I know."

"Ma did it," she pointed out, and he flinched.