Max and Stina were sitting on the hood of his car talking. She seemed to be a really nice person laughing easily and often. She'd asked all the average questions about family and friends. If any of them had survived.

It was a hard question to answer. In his heart, Max was convinced Tul was alive but he didn't want to share that with just anyone. Maybe soon. " I don't know. I really don't know." was all he could say.

She had patted his hand. "I'm sure they're okay. Do you think there is anyone else in town besides us?" Her eyes were serious.

"I haven't seen anyone. Have you?"

"No but I've hidden quite a bit. No sense asking for trouble." She smiled again. "I wouldn't have known you were here if I hadn't seen you come out of the library."

"Where were you?" Max asked in surprise.

"The antique store! Great place to find useful items in a world gone dark. Come, I'll show you. Plus they had a lovely selection of canes which might help until that foot heals. Do you think you can make it that far on your foot?" Concern was written on her face.

"I wouldn't need a cane if I had remembered my walking stick..." a rueful frown.  "Maybe if we drive there? I can probably hobble the last few feet..." Max looked at his foot doubtfully. He had been afraid to take his shoe off and look. Plus Stina had mentioned it might swell if he did making it impossible to get the shoe back on. "Better done at home." she had said and he had agreed.

"Or we can drive there and then I'll go in and bring them out to you." Stina patted his hand again. It seemed to be a habit of hers. "Would that work?"

"Are you sure you wouldn't mind?" Max had asked skeptically. It was weird to ask an older lady to fetch and carry even if he was hurt.

"I don't mind a bit. If I minded, I wouldn't have offered." Again that easy laugh.

"Miss Stina, where is your family?" An hesitant tone crept into Max's voice.

"Umm..." She cleared her throat. "Dead of the Delta Variant. Like everyone else." She wiped a stray tear. "Two sons and a husband. Took my boys and left an old woman alive." She sniffed and wiped her cheek again.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Stina."

"Thank you, Max." This time she just laid her hand on his for a moment as if taking comfort. "Well, this isn't going to get you a cane." Another hand pat as she cleared her throat again. "Shall we go?"

Max thanked the gods he'd gotten an automatic transmission in his SUV. Just the idea of trying to operate a clutch with his bruised foot was enough to make him wince.

It was two short blocks to the antique store across from the library. Stina had almost jumped out of the car in her enthusiasm. "I'll be back in a moment!" A smile and she had disappeared into the store's front door.

Max opened his door and turned side ways in the seat. He pulled out his phone and turned it on. No signal. On a wild hair, he sent a text to both his little brother and Tul.

I'm still alive. Waiting for you at the cabin. I love you.

He looked at it for a moment and hit send. Quickly turning his phone off, he stuffed it in his back pocket and pulled his shirt down.

~~~~~

True to her word, Stina had come back with an armful of canes. Everything from tall ones that looked too fragile to carry any weight to a carved ivory headed cane perfect for a robber baron to an Irish shillelagh was in the bundle. Max was a little surprised at Stina's strength. The canes were awkward at the least and probably heavy as well.

She leaned them against the SUV. "Anything catch your eye?"  Max never had any doubts about which one he would choose. He politely looked at them all despite his gaze drifting to the shillelagh. The wood was smooth from long use and had an inner glow from properly oiling the wood. It was beautifully worked and solid. It was even a good height for him. "This one will do nicely." A broad smile and he leaned on it taking some of the weight off his foot.

"Take a few steps to make sure." Stina suggested so Max took a few tentative steps. It hurt but the cane definitely helped. He smiled. "Perfect!"

"Good! You know shillelaghs are called Fighting Sticks. Are you a Warrior, Max?"

Max laughed. "Me? No. No, I'm no Warrior."

She smiled and gathered the remaining canes, returning them to the antique store.

~~~~~

The rest of the day had flitted away while they had talked quite comfortably about so many things including gardening. It was a relief to not be so alone.

Max looked at the lengthening shadows. "I need to get back. Maybe soak this foot. May I drop you anywhere?"

"I'm okay. It's not far and..." She looked awkward for a moment. "Today has been fun but I don't think I'm quite ready for you to know where I'm hanging my hat. I hope you aren't offended." Stina looked at him hopefully.

"I understand completely.  Most likely, I'll stay off this foot tomorrow but what do you think about meeting the next day? Noon at the antique store?" Max grinned.

Stina was all smiles. "That sounds lovely. Agreed! Day after tomorrow. Antique store at noon." She stuck her hand out. "It has been nice to meet you, Max."

"It was a pleasure." he replied shaking her hand.

He got settled into the SUV. He waved and headed back to the cabin.

Stina waved and smiled as Max left. Once he was out of sight, her eyes narrowed. It had been an excellent day.

~♡~♡~♡~

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