She looked so pleased that Jude decided not to mention how much work the journal would require.
By midmorning, the garden was beginning to take shape. The soil had been loosened, the seeds had been planted, and small wooden markers stood in neat rows. Stella placed a simple protective fence around the patch so that the animals wouldn't wander through it.
Scarlet arrived carrying a bundle of thin branches.
"I brought materials."
Stella examined them. "For what?"
"The bench."
"We haven't even finished the garden."
"That's why I brought the branches early."
Jude looked at the bundle. "Are those strong enough?"
"Of course."
He picked up one of the branches and bent it slightly. It cracked.
Scarlet stared at it.
"Perhaps," she said slowly, "we need stronger branches."
"Perhaps."
She turned toward the forest. "I'll find some."
"Take someone with you," Jude called after her.
Scarlet waved without looking back.
Jude glanced at Stella.
"Should we be worried?"
"Probably."
