Timber

Chapter Four: In the Space Between

As the workday came to a merciful end, logging vehicles creaked under the weight of the weary workers as they huddled inside. Hazel sighed and did her best not to breathe in the humid body odor filling the cab as they were ferried down in the valley.

Instead of the overwhelming aroma of sweat and salt, she focused on the panoramic view of the forest they were leaving behind. Hazel relaxed her forehead against the foggy glass, taking in the serene beauty of their surroundings. Yet, the tranquility of the forest seemed at odds with the turmoil within her. The lush greenery mix of pines, oaks, willows, and ferns wished them an almost melancholy farewell.

The rest of the lumberjacks, despite their hardened exteriors, also bore a different kind of weariness. A kind crafted from restless nights and near constant buzz of anxiety.

As the lumber trucks ferried the rugged group. His head lolled as it was his turn to attempt to stave off fatigue. His eyelid fluttered until he finally succumbed, resting his shoulder against Hazel's.

She battled to keep her burgeoning smile to herself. Since Rowan had turned fourteen, he rarely allowed much physical affection. He barely let her hug him anymore.

When he was a little toddler, he had practically begged her to hold his hand on a daily basis. The memory warmed her heart and also sent a wave of sadness through her. Time had gone by faster than she realized.

Bending toward him, she whispered in his ear, "You can sleep on my shoulder if you want, Ro."

A vague grumble followed, but within a few minutes, his curly head laid against her shoulder like a bony pillow. The jolting of the interior and the hum of the engine didn't stir him. All of it was merely white noise to her worn-out brother.

Silus eyed him, sending Hazel a knowing smile. "Too feisty for his own good today."

"Wore himself right out." Hazel agreed with a quirk of her lips.

"I can still hear you both," Rowan groaned sleepily.

Hazel's shoulders shook as she held back a soft laugh.

Sometimes, the job, while dirty, smelly, and taxing, had moments that made it all worthwhile.

Sometimes.

Upon reaching the mill, the truck stopped abruptly, jolting Rowan from his semi-lucid state.

With a metallic twang, the back door swung open, signaling the end of their journey. Hazel, Silus, and Rowan, along with the rest of the crew, piled out in a dusty heap.

Hazel stretched her arms, trying to ease the stiffness in her muscles. "Another day in paradise, right?"

"Thrilling. Now off to the paper mill for another round of excitement." Silus stretched, wiping the sawdust from his forehead. Recently, he took evening shifts at the paper mill. They needed the extra income and double wages to keep their larger-than-average family afloat.

"Have fun making toilet paper. I'm heading to the hospital," Hazel added, rolling her shoulders to release some tension.

"I'd much rather make it than help someone else use it," Rowan replied, shaking the dirt from his hair.

Like Silus, Hazel had taken on additional work at the local hospital, aiding in whatever way she could, from cleaning linens to assisting the nursing staff with minor tasks.

"Yeah, yeah." Hazel groaned, "It's not all we do. It's more splinters and sprained ankles than anything else. Maybe a new baby or two. Besides, I'll only be able to sneak in a few hours before the curfew."

Adjusting his backpack and preparing to leave, Rowan joined in their light-hearted exchange. "Well, while you two are off on your exciting adventures, I guess I'll be at home, keeping the twins and Sage entertained."