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"Jackson," Tom called out with a wary look. "You don't believe in that hogwash, do ya?"
They small leather satchel was cool and heavy in his hand as if they held more weight than just their monetary value.
"After sunset, dig a hole deep enough for a seedling, drop one in, cover it up with dirt, and water it with your tears," the enigmatic man replied cryptically before disappearing into the crowd, leaving Jackson standing there alone with his heart racing and head spinning.
CHAPTER
FOUR
The day waned and faded into evening's gentle embrace before Jackson made it back to Walker Farm. The waxing silver moon seemed to call him, like a celestial smile in the sky, promising the insanity of these beans would work.
Under the cloak of night, he sought out a small patch of soil, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Even in the dull light of the moon, he could tell that it was not as dry as all the others, and it was quite a bit closer to the house.
"For better or worse, Mavis," he murmured to himself as he gently pressed the seed into the earth with careful fingers. He smoothed the dirt over the top and looked back at Mavis, who still was inside the car, her head out the open window, showing off what appeared to be a smile on her snout.
The pig, his only companion at the moment, let out a gentle snort, almost as if she understood the weight of his words.
Jackson's heart hammered with uncertainty, and yet, the deed was done. He wasn't certain what it meant to water it with his tears, but storms were often perceived to be the god's crying, and a storm was absolutely coming.
As if summoned by the silly deed, lightning cracked across the sky like the whip of a celestial being, followed by thunder that boomed like the world's outcry. As the heavens opened, pouring rain upon the land, Jackson rushed to the car, threw the door open, and lifted Mavis.
Tonight, she was going to sleep inside.
With the next crack of thunder, Jackson knew getting to the barn safely was going to be too much of a risk.
The door flew open with ease and his aunt stared at him and Mavis, a crooked smirk on her lips.
"I made certain the animals were all away when the clouds came rolling in. Couldn't get the damn barn door locked, though." She glanced at Mavis then. "So, you didn't sell her, and she's sleepin' in here, then?"
Jackson chuckled as he set Mavis down. "Something like that."
He could have told her about the seeds, but she would merely think he'd lost his damn mind.
But it didn't cost a cent.
Which is a sure sign it won't work.
Jackson scratched just above his ear and sighed. "There's something I tried. I'll tell you more about it if it works."
"Nothing ominous there," Marie clucked and wagged a finger at Mavis. "Don't you eat the stuffing out of my couch, you hear?"
Mavis, for her part, gave a small grunt.
"I'm going to bed, you'd best do the same soon. There could be animals to find in the morning when the storm passes."
He gave a nod and watched as his aunt meandered up the stairs across the way. It was an odd roommate, but she belonged on the land and couldn't live in the house on the opposite side alone. It was too big for her.
Sighing, Jackson walked to the fridge and tugged it open. Grabbing a beer, Jackson dropped into his usual chair and watched as the storm came pummeling down.
The rain poured down steadily, drowning out the world with a soothing sound as if to wash away all the woes and troubles Jackson had been facing.
Trees swayed violently, trying desperately not to be uprooted, while others snapped under pressure from forces beyond their control. It was both beautiful and terrifying all at once. An untamed force beyond his comprehension, but also something that held promise of change if harnessed correctly.
A small fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls, making him somehow seem less alone. As the flames danced and the rain poured down, a strange sensation overcame him. As if time had slowed or maybe stopped and then sped up rapidly. The only movement seemed to be the rain and wind howling through the farm outside.
Lightning arced across the sky once more, illuminating the room in stark contrasts of light and dark, revealing dust particles dancing in the air like tiny fairies at play. He felt drawn to look out of the window but resisted as best he could until he found himself standing behind a thin curtain, observing nature's fury firsthand.
This rain could've saved me the embarrassment of those damn seeds.
