I Just Wanna Run (part 3)

     That night, I attended supper with my family and the six men. I sat beside my sister, Lilly, who sat across from the young man in the red cloak. Now, it hung from his shoulder, and the hood was at the base of his neck. His bangs still hung low, but I could see his eyes this time. They were a light hazel, almost light enough to be gold or yellow. I tried not to stare too long. I knew when I did, because he would always look back at me. Every time, this wry smile would come to his lips. I noticed that he wasn't really a man at all. He couldn't be any older than sixteen or so, which would mean he was a year or two older than myself. He seemed amused that I actually came to supper.
   The next morning, I went to the spot on the wall where I'd stood with him the day before. Not to my surprise, he leaned there, staring out over the hills.
   "I told you it was a nice view," I said.
He looked over at me. "Yes, it is just that."
I walked over and stood beside him, watching the wind move the trees before pointing out to the fields.
   "In the summer," I said, "That's the best place to pick flowers. My mother doesn't like the wild ones, but I do. I like the colors."
He nodded simply. I was slightly disappointed by this. As much as I hated to admit it (good gracious, my sisters were getting to me) but I somewhat enjoyed his company.
   "Do you travel much?" I asked.
He looked at me from behind the hood, hazel eyes questioning. Then he smiled. "A bit, yes."
I nodded. "I thought so."
His eyes remained on me. "Do I strike you as a traveler? I didn't know my manners were that bad."
I laughed curtly. "No, it's nothing to do with your manners. You just seem different from the others in your company. More distant, I suppose, as if you're used to being alone."
He raised an eyebrow. "Well, the others are travelers, just as I am."
    "Hmm," I said teasingly, "Then maybe it is your table manners."
He chuckled at that, then quieted and said, "I suppose you're like that as well. Distant, I mean."
I looked away from him, out over the fields. "Yes. I guess I am, aren't I?"
He glanced at me sincerely. "Four sisters, and yet still you are alone."
I bit my lip. "It's not their fault."
    "Does the fault fall upon someone?"
My thoughts drifted toward my mother.