Chapter 14 - The Cedar Bench
In October 2030, Arthur finished his master project in the Saratoga workshop.
It was a wide, six-foot garden bench made of solid, hand-carved cedar wood. The wood was finished with three coats of natural oil, highlighting the deep, reddish-brown grain and the intricate, natural knots in the timber.
Together with Marcus, Arthur carried the heavy bench out to the edge of the property, setting it under the shade of a massive three-hundred-year-old oak tree that overlooked the rolling green hills of the valley.
That evening, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a deep violet and gold light across the sky, Martha walked slowly across the grass, holding a warm mug of chamomile tea.
She sat down on the cedar bench, running her hands over the smooth, oiled wood.
"You built this well, Arthur," Martha said softly, looking out over the valley. "It’s solid. It won't shake in the winter wind."
Arthur sat down beside her, wrapping a warm wool shawl around her shoulders to shield her from the cool autumn breeze.
"It’s built to last, Martha," Arthur replied gently. "Just like the house."
They sat together in comfortable, easy silence, watching the stars begin to appear one by one in the deep blue expanse above them.
"Do you ever miss it, Arthur?" Martha asked suddenly, looking at his profile in the twilight. "The tower? The money? The life you were supposed to have?"
Arthur looked at his mother. He reached out, gently holding her hand, feeling the warm, familiar pulse in her wrist.
"I didn't have a life in that tower, Martha," Arthur said, his voice deep and clear. "I had a cage. You gave me my life when you pulled that photo out of your apron pocket."
Martha smiled, resting her head against his arm. "I was terrified that day. My knees were shaking so hard I thought I would collapse on that marble floor."
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"I know," Arthur whispered. "But you stood up anyway."
"A mother always stands up, Arthur," she said softly, her eyes closing as she listened to the crickets chirping in the long grass. "When her child needs her... she stands up."
