'SEE YOU MORNING' 055 Ruth And Emma

Zufluchtsland is a terrestrial planet in a binary star system. It experiences four seasons, yet their cycles are highly irregular. The two suns orbit far apart, and the planet travels along an elliptical orbit. The overlapping cycles disrupt the normal sequence of seasons, though fortunately, the climate never turns extreme.

Lübeck had received word that after the current spring, the region would see successive summers and an autumn, followed by another summer. For this reason, more laborers needed to be brought in to plant grain and other crops throughout the upcoming favorable seasons.

Leaving behind all his unavoidable official duties, Lübeck arrived home by carriage. Smoke curled gently from the chimney of the wooden cottage, either for warmth or to prepare meals. One of the suns was sinking behind the low hills beyond the house. The courtyard lay peaceful, with the barn and woodpile casting long shadows across the yard beside the cottage.

Lübeck walked up to the door and knocked softly. The door opened to reveal Ruth, his housekeeper who had served him for many years. She was a slender middle-aged woman with dark brown hair, a high forehead and deep eye sockets. She had dark eyes, a narrow face, a pointed chin and a tilted nose.

Her thick eyebrows softened the delicate grace typical of women, while her eyes within the deep sockets carried an air of mystery and sorrow. In contrast to her facial features, her lips were full and gentle, stretching far toward her cheeks, so that every faint twitch at the corners became plainly visible.

After greeting Lübeck home with a customary embrace and a light kiss on the cheek, she lifted one corner of her mouth and spoke.

"Welcome back. Emma is in her bedroom, looking after the baby. Go see her." She stepped aside to clear the way toward Emma's room after releasing his hand.

Lübeck walked past her, still wearing a smile. He rested his left hand on her arm, forever grateful in his heart for her loyalty and companionship.

He pushed open Emma's bedroom door. She sat on the edge of the bed, rocking a cradle to lull the infant to sleep. Emma, his young and beautiful wife, was a second-generation immigrant born right here on Zufluchtsland. She had blond hair and large dark eyes, with a round face and thin lips. When she laughed, her two front teeth showed, lending her a look as innocent and lovely as a ground squirrel. Her build bore the sturdy traits of her people while retaining feminine charm, making her appear mature beyond her years.

Upon seeing Lübeck enter, Emma jumped for joy and called his name, yet softened her voice for fear of waking the child.

Lübeck pulled the rushing Emma into his arms. Standing on her tiptoes, she hopped lightly in his embrace.

"Erich, the baby and I have missed you so much."

"I have missed you too." Lübeck held her waist tighter and kissed her lips. Then he reached behind her and gave her soft buttocks a playful pinch.

After sharing a tender moment, Lübeck spoke quietly.

"Let me go see the baby."

Emma stepped aside obediently and followed him to the cradle. By the fading light, he gazed at the sleeping child, whose features had changed yet again over the past few days. Watching this new life grow and transform each day, Lübeck sometimes wondered if he ought to have brought the child into this world. Though they had escaped wars, plagues and religious persecution across the European continent, this land was still wild and untamed, and life here remained harsh.

"Mr. Lübeck, would you care for some food? A meal is already prepared."

Lübeck turned to find Ruth standing in the bedroom doorway, waiting for his reply.

"That would be lovely. Please join us as well." He glanced back at Emma, cherishing these quiet moments of family togetherness above all else.

In the living room, firelight from the hearth flickered all around. Lübeck pulled Emma to sit beside him, while Ruth took a seat opposite. On the table lay simple fare: bread, oatmeal porridge, cabbage and eggs. He longed to stock richer food for his wife and household, yet to uphold social stability across Zufluchtsland, he had forbidden his crew from importing daily supplies from Europe. As their leader, he had to set an example, preserving his authority and maintaining orderly governance.

Lübeck ate little, merely going through the motions of dining at a leisurely pace. Ruth updated him on all that had happened in his absence. As captain of the only vessel connecting this land to the outside world, he held the highest military command, administrative authority and judicial power here.

While he was away, administrative documents had been delivered to the house and entrusted to Ruth. Emma paid no mind to such affairs. Whether out of youth or disinterest, she simply watched the man beside her with unwavering admiration as he attended to his duties.

"Regarding the proposal to professionalize farming and animal husbandry, what feedback have you heard from the villagers?" Lübeck asked.

"The main disputes center on partial public ownership of assets and compensation. There is no agreement on the exchange value of goods or pay for different types of labor." Ruth answered.

"I see. Established families are reluctant to give up their holdings, and now that ordinary folk are free from exploitation by large-scale markets and monopolies, everyone prioritizes their own interests. How has the partial rationing system been received?"

"The commune council is still in discussion. A preliminary report will arrive soon, along with opinions from each commune."

"Very well. I will review it tomorrow. Is the settlement keeping peaceful?"

"For the most part. I have heard there is friction between the Schmidt and Bauer families."

"Another dispute over farmland and pastures, I assume?"

"It would seem so."

"Has anyone been seriously hurt?"

"Just minor injuries among a few people."

"I introduced partial public ownership to balance the growing influence of these powerful clans. I hope their conflict does not spiral out of control."

"Do you think they will bear resentment toward you?" Ruth asked with concern, reaching across the table to take his hand.

Emma grew curious at the question and turned to look at him as well.

"The impact on their interests is minimal, so I believe not." He brushed his thumb gently over her fingers with the hand she held, while his other hand stroked Emma's cheek. She was naturally cheerful, and her constant smile could chase away anyone's weariness.

Just then, the infant stirred and began to cry, having woken from sleep.

"I need to feed the baby." Emma hurried back into the bedroom to tend to the child.

Lübeck turned back to Ruth.

"Have you finished your meal? Shall I clear the table?" Ruth asked.

"Yes, thank you for your trouble."

Ruth said nothing, only smiled faintly before rising to tidy the tableware.

Lübeck then followed Emma into the room. She sat on the bed holding the baby in her arms, and the child quickly quieted as it nursed.

A thought crossed Lübeck's mind. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a paper parcel, holding it out to her. Her hands were full with the baby, so she could not take it.

"What is this?"

Instead of answering, Lübeck opened the parcel and held out a slice to her lips. After she tasted it, he spoke.

"Dried apple. How do you like it?"

"Mm, it's sweet and tangy. Delicious."

Seeing that she enjoyed it, Lübeck sat down beside her. He watched her nurse the baby while continuing to feed her the dried fruit.

By this time, Ruth had finished cleaning up the dining area. She stood in the doorway of the bedroom for a moment before speaking.

"Mr. Lübeck, your bath water is ready. Would you like to take a bath?"

Before Lübeck could reply, Emma nudged him.

"Go on. You don't need to stay here with me. Bathe and rest early."

Though young, Emma was thoughtful and sensible. Lübeck kissed her goodbye and left the room with Ruth.

A wooden tub stood in the corner beside the hearth. Lübeck stepped forward to test the water, which was not deep enough to fill the tub even when he sat down. The two women had already done so much for him, and he had no reason to complain. He handed his clothes to Ruth and glanced back at her. She held his garments in one hand and steadied the tub with the other, leaning lightly against its side.

Lübeck touched her shoulder and stepped into the tub. He turned to face her, drew her slender form close with his arm, and pressed his lips to hers. After a moment, he gazed into her calm, deep eyes, where a faint smile always lingered at the corners.