The Return: 2

"Mason." I gently nudged his shoulder. "It's time to get up. We've arrived." Mason groaned when I eased his body up. I stood up and brushed my pants off.

"Last call until we depart!" The conductor shouted.

"Wait, sir!" I called back. "We're almost off!" I quickly snatched Mason's small hand into mine and dragged him off of the seat. He held a frown on his face, and I narrowed my eyes at him, nudging him towards the exit of the train. When we hopped off, I led Mason down and around the first block. Our small town-home was around the corner from the train station. We passed multiple shops and stalls on the way there.

"Mason!" A small child with a light jacket and a few holes on his trousers called out. He smiled big waved. Mason's eyes lit up. It was one of his friends. "You're back early! My ma's out. Wanna go to the docks and play?"

"Can I go and play with Tom, Marley?" He looked back at me with puppy eyes. I shook my head.

"It's almost dark. By the time you come back, it'll be a past curfew." I looked up at a nearby building and pointed my finger at a clock, gesturing for the two to look. "The authorities will catch you and you'll end up facing consequences. Tom, you should make your way back home. It's not safe. We don't want your mother to worry."

"Aw.." Tom wiped his nose.

"Go ahead." I motioned my hands forward. "Start walking."

"I'm going, I'm going!" He sighed. "I'll talk to you later, Mason!" He gave Mason a light hug and skipped away.

"Tell your mom I said hello!" I hollered out to Tom and made my way towards our building. Mason huffed and stomped ahead of me. We got to our unit, and the landlord stood against our doorway with a scowl on her face. I knew immediately what that meant.

"Word got around that you were fired. Again." She brushed the dust from her dress. "Wait until my husband finds out."

"Mason, go ahead inside. I need to talk with Mrs. Helm."

"You never let me do anything!" He snapped. "Why can't I listen to--"

"Because it's an adult conversation." I cut in before he could finish. "Until you get my age, go to your room. Don't give me lip back." I nudged him inside. "Go on." Mason groaned and stormed off. He was having one of his tantrums.

"Who's going to pay the rent now, Marley?" Mrs. Helm hissed. "Every time you're fired, we always end up waiting an entire month after your rent is past due."

"I'll find another job."

"When?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

"I'll start looking tomorrow." I sighed. "Don't worry about the rent."

"Listen to me." Mrs. Helm grabbed both of my shoulders and faced me. I looked at up her reluctantly. "I know you're doing everything you can for you and that boy." She sighed. "But the times have changed. Everyone is running low on funds. We can't afford to keep helping you out anymore." Mrs. Helm reached in the pocket of her apron and handed me a brochure. It had a photo of a man in a fancy suit with big and bold words written across it. I took the brochure and fumbled with the pages.

"There's a new bachelor in town." Mrs. Helm shook her head. "Look at yourself, honey. You're very beautiful. Maybe you can find yourself a wealthy husband."

"No." I refused immediately.

"You know that women can't work, Marley."

"I won't get married to a man for his money. That's not right."

"If not, then we want your rent paid on time." She scowled at me. "If you can't make the payment, consider our deal done."

Before I could reply, she turned and pointed her nose high, and walked away. I rolled my eyes and grumbled. I saw Mason sitting nearby the window, watching the sunset. His light brown curls slightly moved as the wind blew inside. He was looking intently at a train, watching it come and go.

I took off my hat, allowing my curly long brown hair to fall against my chest and back. "That feels better." I grinned a bit and fluffed out my hair, letting it air out. I strolled over to Mason and sat down next to him.

"Mason."

"Yeah?" He responded, not taking his gaze away from the window.

"You know I'm doing all of this because I love you, right?" I smiled. He refused to look at me and kept staring outside. "Mason. Look at me."

"I know." He spat. "But you never let me do anything. I don't get to be like the other kids."

"Because you're not like the other kids. You're special."

"How?" He glared at me. "Why am I different?"

"You just are." I shrugged. "Don't worry about it too much. It's a good thing." Before I could say anything else, a sudden realization hit me. I had totally forgotten that I was supposed to go shopping for tonight's dinner. I stood back up and fixed my coat. Then, I grabbed my hat and wrapped my hair around into a messy bun before stuffing it back in my cap. "Mason, stay here. I'm headed out to go and buy some groceries." I took a quick glance at the clock next to our door. I only had an extra hour to go out before it was too late.

"Why can't I go with you?" He whined.

"Look outside." I pointed at the sun. "I'll be back before curfew. Would you like anything in particular from Mr. Glen's shop?"

"I'd like to come with you." He mumbled under his breath. I rolled my eyes and decided to ignore him. All I could focus on at that moment was to hurry and buy before it got too dark. I kissed Mason's forehead and waved at him before I left. "Don't answer the door for any strangers, unless it's Mrs. Helm."

"Okay." Was all he responded before I shut the door.

~

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