Walk A Different Path 🤍 Jaa/First

Chapter 10 ~ the business trip ~

The following morning,  the pair rose early and after Sam had washed up and dressed, Maskwa showered while Sam made a pot of coffee and breakfast. Breakfast was quiet with each young man wrapped up in their own thoughts.

When Maskwa had eaten he made a flask of hot coffee to take with him including snacks for both himself and his horse then while Sam washed the breakfast dishes, Maskwa went outside to saddle his four legged friend making sure to pack a spare breakaway halter and lead rope then came back inside to say goodbye to Sam

"ok, I'm off, I'll see you later baby" Maskwa said.

"right, be careful" Sam replied not looking up.

"hey, I won't be long" Maskwa said pulling Sam's face up towards him.

"I know, stop worrying" Sam replied.

"then give me a kiss.

Sam leaned in and kissed Maskwa quickly before putting some distance between them.

"I have to go baby, the sooner I leave, the sooner I'll get back to you" Maskwa said before giving Sam one last hug and heading out.

Sam wrapped a quilt around his shoulders before going out and standing on the porch to see Maskwa riding off into the distance and when he got to a certain point he turned in the saddle and looked back at Sam before waving.

Sam waved back then watched as Maskwa disappeared out of view and that was Sam's cue to go back inside.

It felt weird being alone in someone else's house but still, he wandered around the home making sure everything was as it should be then he put his coat on and went outside to visit Maisie and make sure the chickens were ok.

He was half tempted to go out riding their usual trail but he decided against it with Maskwa not being here and it was also not wise to leave the house unattended.

Instead he went back inside and made himself a hot drink then settled down to read a book, it was so quiet and lonely without Maskwa and he still couldn't help but wonder what business he had but he kept telling himself it was nothing to do with him.

The day literally dragged and at lunchtime he made a sandwich then he walked around the house like a caged tiger. After another hour of doing absolutely nothing he sat down to read some more, at least if he was in Thailand he could call friends and go for coffee, whatever did people do to keep themselves busy here.

Sam wondered if Maskwa had reached his destination yet and looking at his watch he saw it was 1.10pm, maybe he had already dealt with his business and had set off back home. Sitting here by the fire his eyelids soon began to feel heavy and even though he tried to stay awake, he couldn't help falling asleep.

Maskwa looked up at his watch, it was almost five o' clock. He was tired, it had been a long ride and he knew the horses were ready to be bedded down for the night too.

"not long now guys, just around the bend up ahead and we're home" Maskwa said patting his horse and looking across at the new girl.

"are you ok there girl?" Maskwa smiled at the palomino as she snorted in indignation at having to walk all that way, she wasn't used to such treatment, she was more used to trotting around a paddock looking pretty.

"I know baby, such a pampered princess just like your new owner" Maskwa smiled.

Maskwa finally rounded the corner to see his village come into view and after a few more minutes he saw his house.

He had expected Sam to come running out front as soon as he approached  but the house seemed to be in silence.

A small seed of concern began to germinate in his gut as he wondered if Sam really had taken off while he was gone but no, Sam wouldn't do that, he had told him as much only that morning.