Page 20 of Gentle Warrior

Moose finished his meal and leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. “Damn, that was some good cookin’, Shorty… as always.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I don’t want to scare everyone, but I just want to make sure folks keep an eye out. We need to ensure these guys move on through town and out the other side without putting anyone in danger. So if anyone comes in asking about the girl, Elena, she, ummm, hitched a ride to someplace in Virginia with a trucker… or something.”

Shorty nodded, his brow furrowed. “Understood. We’ll keep it quiet-like. Don’t you worry—we’ll get the word out proper without stirrin’ up no fuss.”

Gladys chimed in, her voice warm and gentle, “Now, if y’all hear anything even the least bit suspicious, you just be sure to let us know right away. Why, in this town, we all look out for one another. Elena’s a sweet little gal, she is. “We can’t let no harm come to her—not while I’m drawin’ breath.”

Moose felt a swell of gratitude. “Thanks, you two. It means a lot to have your support. I just want to make sure my mom and everyone else is safe.”

“Don’t worry, Mikey. We’ll make sure of it,” Gladys reassured him. “Now, how about some pie to go with that good cookin’?”

Moose couldn’t help but smile. “Now you’re talking! I wouldn’t say no to a slice of your famous apple pie.”

After finishing lunch at the diner, Moose and Bear stepped outside into the warm afternoon sun. Moose had a few hours to kill before heading to the farm for supper, and he intended to make the most of it. First on his list was picking up some things for his mom—small comforts from town that she always appreciated.

Bear stretched and gave Moose a grin. “Looks like we’re gonna have to do some extra PT tomorrow to work off all that food.”

Moose chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, no complaints here.”

“We’re heading to the bakery next,” Moose said. “Mom’s got a sweet tooth, even if she doesn’t always eat much.”

Bear grinned as he walked alongside him down the uneven sidewalk. “Lead the way, Mikey,” he teased, loving every chance to needle Moose with his childhood nickname. Moose shot him a side glance, smirking despite himself.

The bakery was a cozy little place, fragrant with the smell of fresh bread and sugar. The bell jingled as they entered, and Mrs. Henson looked up from the counter, her eyes brightening when she saw Moose.

“Well, if it isn’t Mikey,” she said warmly. “Good to see you home again.”

“Good to see you too,” Moose replied with a small smile, groaning silently as Bear smirked at the nickname once more. “I’m here to grab some goodies for my mom.”

Mrs. Henson nodded thoughtfully and pointed him toward the rows of pastries and cookies. “She always loved the raspberry tarts, didn’t she? Bless ’ur heart, that sweet girl’s always needed a bit of extra care with things, hasn’t she?”

Moose’s jaw tightened, and Bear’s eyes narrowed as they exchanged a quick, silent look. Both men moved quickly through their purchase, eager to get outside before their frustration spilled over into an argument or worse—a scene.

“Yeah. And the cinnamon rolls,” Moose added, voice tight. Bear grabbed a box and nodded without looking at Mrs. Henson.

They stepped out of the bakery and hurried toward the flower shop next door. The florist, a kind woman named June, greeted them with a soft smile, a calming presence after the tense moment they’d just left behind.

June smiled warmly as Moose and Bear stepped inside. “Mikey,” she said, “it’s been a long time. What can I help you with today?”

Moose returned her smile, feeling a flicker of comfort. Before he could answer, June added softly, “I saw your mom in town last week, with that young lady, Elena. She seems to be doing well. It was good seeing her out and about.”

Moose blinked slightly, surprised that Elena had brought his mom to town, but he kept his expression steady. He glanced at Bear, then nodded. “I want to get Mom some flowers,” he said. “Something bright and cheerful.”

June led them to bunches of daisies, sunflowers, and wildflowers gathered from nearby fields. Moose chose a mixed bouquet that reminded him of simpler summers.

As June wrapped the flowers with gentle care, she said, “It’s good of you to think of her like this.”

Moose looked down at the bouquet and nodded, his voice quiet but steady. “She’s been through a lot. She deserves a little happiness.”

Stepping outside, the warmth of the sun brushed against Moose’s skin. A quiet determination settled within him. He knew he couldn’t fix everything from the past, but he could start here—with her, with small things that mattered.

Bear clapped him on the back. “Looks like you’ve got it covered. Now, ready to head out to the farm?”

Moose took a deep breath and looked down the road toward the place that held so many memories and the hope of some kind of peace.

“Yeah. Let’s go home.”

13 - ELENA

Elena’s heart thumped a little louder in her chest as she set the table for supper, carefully arranging plates and silverware for Jim, Nancy, herself, and their two guests. Her hands trembled slightly, and she pressed them against the edge of the counter to steady her grip while folding the napkins just so. The soft glow of the evening sun poured through the kitchen window, casting warm golden rays across the polished wood, but it felt distant—a gentle reminder of all she wanted to get just right.