Page 28 of Our Own Light

“Well, I suppose I had my Aunt Betty for a bit. We weren’t close, exactly, but she was kind to me. Actually, I’ve been considering visiting her. She lives in Charleston. And, well, she isn’t in contact with my parents anymore. I tried to visit her when I first came here, but I was too nervous.”

“Why?”

Oliver shrugged. “Just was. Everyone in my family makes me nervous.”

Letting out a soft hum, Floyd nodded in response. Oliver was thankful that Floyd was respectful enough not to press him for more information. He wished he possessed that kind of willpower himself.

After a moment, Floyd asked Oliver to wait while he fetched something from inside. Floyd returned a short time later with Oliver’s hat.

He held it out and said, “Here, Ollie. I plum forgot I was wearing this when we played pool. Kept it on the whole way home.”

“I know,” Oliver said. “Keep it.”

“It’s your hat. I can’t take it from you.”

“You’re not taking it. It’s a present.” Oliver took the hat from Floyd’s hands and placed it atop Floyd’s head. “Gray is definitely one of your colors.”

“Ain’t it a little depressing?”

Oliver’s voice softened. “Not on you.”

When Floyd reached up to adjust his hat, Oliver’s chest warmed in the most wonderful way. He loved seeing Floyd wear it.

Even though they’d see each other in less than twelve hours, it pained Oliver that he had to leave. He wanted to keep spending time with Floyd. He’d honestly spend every second with him if he could. Which was a strange feeling. Oliver had been his own best friend for as long as he could remember. Now things were different, though. Oliver liked Floyd way more than he liked himself. He liked Floyd more than he had ever liked anyone.

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you, how does everyone spend their leisure time around here? Like on weekends?” Oliver asked. “I’ve mostly been reading, myself. I found a few books at the company store like you said I would. Just Dickens and Poe. I played pool with Roy once, too, which was fun. I think he’s a little sour that I keep beating him. But, uhm, what else?”

“Well, a lot of people work in the mines on Saturdays, especially if they need to make some extra money to pay what they owe at the store. Settle their debts and whatnot. Sundays, though, most people attend church.”

“Do you?”

“Yep. All three of us.”

“I’m not . . . I mean, I . . .” Oliver cleared his throat. “I’ll probably stay home on Sundays. Unless . . . uhm . . .”

“If you change your mind, you can sit in our pew.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, I’m not one to work on Saturdays.”

“Oh?” Oliver’s heart started beating a little faster.

“You and me could do something.”

“Sure!” Oliver exclaimed before intentionally reigning in his excitement. “What?”

“I can show you how to shoot a rifle gun.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, that would be wonderful. I have to warn you, though, that I’ll probably be a terrible shot. I mean, I’m shit even with a slingshot.”

With a snort of amusement, Floyd shook his head.

“I might have to sew my mouth shut before I come to church, huh?” Oliver teased.