Chapter 10

The sun rose over the vast expanse of land in Texas, casting a warm glow over the top house where the Hamilton family lived. Surrounded by ranches and with an enormous plot of land at the rear, the Hamiltons lived a simple life, with Sir Hamilton tending to his crops day in and day out. As the season wasn't for harvest, Sir Hamilton ventured out with a water pump to ensure his lands and crops were well taken care of.

Sir Hamilton was up before the crack of dawn, ready to tend to his lands. He made his way through the house, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. His wife, Mary, was already up and bustling about the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the family. Their children, Emma and James, were still fast asleep, nestled in their beds.

As Sir Hamilton stepped outside, the cool morning air greeted him, along with the sight of the vast land that stretched out before him. He made his way to the barn, where he stored his tools and equipment. Grabbing the water pump, he set out to check on his crops.

The early morning dew glistened on the leaves of the plants, a sign of the hard work and dedication that Sir Hamilton put into his land.

As the morning turned into afternoon, Sir Hamilton continued to make his rounds, ensuring that each and every plant was well-watered and thriving. The sun beat down relentlessly, but Sir Hamilton persevered, knowing that his hard work would pay off in the end.

The sound of the water pump echoed through the quiet countryside, a constant reminder of the labor of love that Sir Hamilton poured into his land.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Sir Hamilton trudged wearily back to the top house, his mind filled with the day's events.

The family gathered around the dinner table, their chatter filling the air with warmth and comfort. However, amidst the laughter and storytelling, a question lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the otherwise joyous atmosphere.

Little James, with his innocent eyes and heart full of concern, posed a question that seemed to hang heavy in the air - "Daddy, Mummy! When will sister Hanna be back?" His words, filled with longing and worry, cut through the jovial conversation like a knife.

Mrs. Hamilton shudders quietly in slight disgust that is written all over her face.

However, Emma, who bore the weight of a ten-year age gap, shot James a fierce glare. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now held a steely resolve, a deep-rooted animosity towards her sister.

As the family continued to dine, the unspoken tension inside Emma over Hanna lingered like a dark cloud over the dinner table. Sir Hamilton, the patriarch of the family, could feel the weight of their unspoken words, the unsaid truths that hung heavy in the air. Hanna, the adopted child they cherished so much before isn't valued as such by them again.

Sir Hamilton, who has some love and pity left for Hanna, doesn't always speak up when his wife says or complains so many atrocious things about Hanna

Emma, burdened by the years of animosity and resentment towards Hanna, could not find it in herself to speak of her sister. Her heart, once filled with love and warmth, had turned cold and distant.

The mere mention of Hanna's name seemed to dredge up a well of emotions that Emma had long buried, leaving her to wallow in a sea of bitterness and regret.

…looks like Hanna has more hate than love in her present life.

Academically, Hanna was making Sir Hamilton proud.

"Son, Hanna will be back when the semester is over, she's still in school." The sense of fulfillment and pride was evident on Sir Hamilton's face.

"Finish your food,and don't worry about Hanna. Okay?"

Seven-year- old little innocent James nodded gently.

While Emma whines in jealousy, she already lost appetite but she wouldn't dare leave the diner in a notorious manner while her father, Sir Hamilton is still there. Her mother's backing would be meaningless.

"Pls can I go drop my plates, my stomachs' filled already," Emma left nevertheless.

Her father let her be as she sounded respectful about it.

He stares at her worryingly as if to detect something as she walks away. SIR Hamilton notices there were still enough food left on her plate. "You know that left overs gonna go a long way for the homeless," he lamented,his voice exhausted.

Emma steps up her feet faster to the kitchen and she furiously clanged her plates on the sink.

"Emma!" Her father yells one time.

Then he turns to little James brushing him tenderly then told him to go finish his food upstairs.

Facing his wife,he demanded "Honey,what's wrong with her?!"

"Who,Emma?" Martha replied faking uncertainty but looks ashamed.

"Honey, don't give me that look."

Immediately his wife reiterates, "Oh Witson dear, don't honey me." She drops her cleaning towel. She's also had enough.

"You're putting in her bad energy, for no reason. And oh pls drop these silly acts of yours…you know damn well I love them as much as I love Hanna," Sir Hamilton's expression rhyming with his words.

"Not enough,I guess."

"What do you mean, woman?"

"Maybe your words and actions don't mix like you say. Or something you just said, you meant otherwise she didn't like," Martha blurts.

Her husband keeps staring at her unrelated.

Martha scoffs, "Everytime Hanna this Hanna that, is she the only good girl in this house. You don't even know if she's doing the worse at school right now…" she stands up to leave very satisfied she said it.

But then, It didn't turn out well for her for her as Witson got amused instead.

"It's enough let's all stop this. This is getting nowhere." He uttered in disbelief.

"Whatever you do, just know she's your real blood." Martha counters seriously. She carries her plate and up to her feet, she skips it.

Witson seated on his chair exhausted and thinking out loud while scratching his grey moustache. "It wasn't my fault you bore these kids for me at this age."

"It's a miracle," he tries to stay positive. "I hope I live old enough for them."

Sir Witson Hamilton, a retired deputy officer in his late sixties…currently diagnosed with cancer though he asked the doctor to keep it confidential. During his service in Montreal, was where he adopted a poor little girl.

First few years of his retirement, he decided to return to Texas where he owned a house and lands, and live comfortably with his family then he wouldn't have mortgage problems.

As the day drew to a close, the Hamilton family retired to their beds, the stars twinkling brightly in the night sky. Sir Hamilton drifted off to sleep, knowing that he had done everything in his power to ensure that his land and crops would thrive.

The simple yet fulfilling life on the outskirts of Texas was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Hamilton family, a life that revolved around the land and the bounty it provided.