Elspeth Starkenburg's Arc

Chapter 10 of 10

Elspeth woke before the sun. Apple slept curled on her pillow, warm against her cheek. School started soon. Amalia was still gone at the tavern. Today Apple would stay in the cottage, not the barn. But the cottage would be empty and quiet all day. Elspeth remembered how Apple cried when she was left alone. She climbed out of bed and started to work. She set the reed scratcher by the window where the morning light fell. Apple liked to shred it. Then she dragged the crate bed close, fluffed the cushion, and smoothed the pastel blanket over the top. She placed the grey cloth mouse inside, where Apple could find it. "That's your bed," she whispered. "Stay in it. Be good." In the kitchen she mashed the last of the sardines into a saucer. She set it near the bed so Apple would not go hungry. She filled a dish with water too. She cracked the shutter so Apple could watch the birds. Her arms ached and her eyes felt heavy. She had barely slept, listening for the cat all night. Apple hopped down and sniffed the saucer. She ate a few bites, then wandered to the door. She scratched at it. Elspeth's chest tightened. "No," she said. "Not the barn. Here." She picked Apple up and set her on the cushion. Apple jumped off and scratched the door again. Elspeth knelt beside her. She was out of ideas. She had made the cottage warm and soft and full of things. Still the cat wanted out. Still the day stretched long and empty ahead. She was going to be late. Her throat hurt. She buckled her satchel and looked back at Apple one last time. Then she had a thought. She took the crate bed and carried it to the warm spot by the hearth, where last night's coals still glowed faint. She tucked the mouse and the saucer close. She dragged the scratcher over too, so it all sat together in one cozy corner. She set Apple down in the middle of it. Apple turned a slow circle. She batted the mouse. She pawed the reeds. Then she settled into the cushion, tucked her nose under her tail, and closed her eyes near the warmth. She did not go to the door. Elspeth let out her breath. "There," she said soft. She stroked the cat's head once. Apple purred without waking. It was not perfect. Apple would still be alone for hours. But she was settled, and warm, and home. Elspeth slipped out and pulled the door shut behind her. She walked to school with her eyes stinging from no sleep. She had done everything she could think of. Now she had to trust it would hold. Tonight, if Apple was curled in that warm corner when she came back, she would know the cottage had won.