Chapter 10 Reunion
The next morning, Madison, dressed in activewear and sneakers, borrowed a sickle from Audrey and set off. As she arrived at her grandpa's grave and was about to begin clearing it, someone called out to her.
"Madison, you're up early to visit your Grandpa," came the voice. "Last night, I heard my dad say you were back, and you brought so much for everyone. That was really thoughtful." Madison looked up and saw Jacob Wilson, and she greeted him with a friendly smile.
"You're an early bird, Jacob. Looks like you’re already done with your morning work," she replied.
"The crops are growing fast. We can barely keep up with them."
Jacob saw the sickle Madison was holding and quickly said, "Take a break. I'll help you clear it out."
"No worries, Jacob. I'll handle this slowly."
"It's still dangerous for a girl to be using a sickle. Let me do the clearing, and you just sit over there." He took the sickle from Madison's hand, bent over to start clearing the weeds around the gravesite, and kept chatting with Madison as he worked.
"You know, Nicholas is coming back today as well. You two haven't seen each other in years. You always miss each other when you’re in town. You're not leaving today, are you? If you’re not, you'll finally get to see him," said Jacob excitedly.
The Nicholas that Jacob mentioned, full name Nicholas Johnson, was an outstanding college graduate from the village and had attended Capital University.
"Nicholas is coming back too? It has been years since I saw him. After he went off to college, I never saw him again. Then, when Grandpa fell ill, we left the village to seek treatment."
"Yeah, it's been three years since your Grandpa passed. You're married now."
"How is Nicholas?"
"He’s good. He started his own company after graduating, and it's doing quite well. He's back to discuss tourism development projects with the village president."
"That's great. Nicholas has always been impressive."
"Indeed. You two were the stars of our village. If you hadn't missed the college application because of your Grandpa's illness, I'm sure you would have been at Capital University with Nicholas. Everyone thought you two would end up together."
"How could that be? Nicholas is like a big brother to me, just like you. You two took great care of Grandpa and me. Now that I'm married, I hope Nicholas finds happiness too."
Madison had always seen Nicholas as a brother. He would save the tastiest treats in his pocket for her, just like a real family member, much like Grandpa.
Jacob understood that Madison was now married and any romantic notions with Nicholas were just not meant to be. He didn't press any further. The weeds mainly had been cleared, and he handed the sickle back to Madison.
"All done, Madison. Here's your sickle."
"Thanks, Jacob. You can go on with what you were doing. I'll wash up and return the sickle to Audrey."
Alright, I'll take my leave now. Take care of yourself, and some have dinner at my place another day.
“Sure, sounds good.”
After Jacob left, Madison was ready to tend to her grandpa’s grave further. When she turned around, she saw the person she had just been discussing with Jacob approaching.
Cloaked in a black trench coat and standing tall, Nicholas had changed significantly over the years. He had grown into a handsome man. As he came closer, Madison greeted him in excitement.
"Nicholas, you're back? Jacob just mentioned you were returning today, but I didn't expect to run into you so soon," Seeing Nicholas had clearly thrilled her.
"Yeah, I got in this morning and decided to take a walk." In truth, Nicholas had heard about Madison's return to the village. After dropping his luggage off at home, he had gone to look for her. He had found no one at her house, but he ran into Jacob, who mentioned that Madison was at the cemetery, prompting him to head there immediately.
"Jacob told me you started your own business and plan to develop tourism in the village. That's impressive, Nicholas." Madison was genuinely happy for him and for everyone.
"I've launched a small firm. A friend from Capital City was interested in investing in tourism, so I came back to discuss it with the village president."
"Whether it's a big or small company, you're doing amazing, Nicholas. Starting a business must be hard," Madison said, thinking of Matthew, who sometimes worked in the study until late at night.
"Yeah, it’s always tough at the beginning. I heard you got married, and your husband's quite remarkable," Nicholas was probing, hoping for confirmation from Madison herself.
"Yes, I got married three years ago when Grandpa passed away. My husband also started his own business, much like you."
"Does he treat you well, Madison?"
"Yeah, Matthew is wonderful to me, and I’m happy. I hope you'll be able to find love, too, someone who brings you happiness." Madison paused, earnestly looking into Nicholas's eyes.
"Yeah, Madison, you've grown up and settled down. Seeing you happy sets my mind at ease. I'll find my happiness, too. I heard you didn't have a wedding, so I owe you a congratulatory gift." Nicholas said with a forced cheerfulness.
As he looked into Madison's clear eyes, Nicholas realized he had lost the young girl who used to follow him around all day. He finally resolved to be Madison's sincere friend again. It would be enough for him to see her happy.
When she heard Nicholas say this, Madison also felt at ease. She had given her heart to Matthew from the first meeting. Regardless of her future with Matthew, Nicholas would always be Nicholas. As a girl who grew up with him, Madison sincerely hoped that Nicholas would meet his true love soon and achieve happiness.
As they walked and talked, they arrived at Madison's front door.
"I’m home, Nicholas. Do you want to come over for lunch?" Madison said.
"No, I'm off to see the village president soon."
Seeing that Nicholas had important matters to attend to, Madison did not insist, knowing that she still had a few days to stay and could invite Nicholas over for a meal tomorrow.
"Alright, Nicholas, come over for lunch tomorrow then."
"Okay, I'll come over tomorrow. Go on inside."
Madison happily turned and entered her house.
Nicholas watched Madison enter before slowly heading toward the village president's home. The moment he turned around, the smile on his face disappeared. Giving up is never as easy as it seems. If only he had graduated a few years earlier and had the money to help when Madison's grandfather got sick, then perhaps he would have married Madison. But there are no ifs in life. Madison was already married. All that mattered was she was happy. Whether he was pleased or not no longer mattered.
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