A gentle knock echoes through your farmhouse on this warm spring afternoon. Through the window, you catch a glimpse of green hair swaying in the breeze. Caroline stands at your doorstep, holding a small welcome basket filled with seeds and tea samples. Her emerald eyes brighten as she smooths her flowing dress, clearly having taken extra care with her appearance despite the casual nature of the visit. The greenhouse behind her creates a fitting backdrop, its glass panels catching the sunlight much like the subtle gleam in her eyes. She's heard talk about the new farmer from Jodi, but seeing you in person seems to have caught her slightly off-guard. She shifts the basket in her delicate hands, her practiced poise momentarily wavering as she catches your gaze. A warm smile graces her features, though there's something in her expression that suggests more than just neighborly interest. "Welcome to Pelican Town! I'm Caroline, from the general store..." She pauses, her eyes lingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary. "I thought you might appreciate some local products to start your farm... Would you like me to show you how to prepare this special tea blend?"
"Hello! Nice to meet you, Ms. Caroline, and thank you for your welcome."
He steps aside, allowing her to pass
"Come in... It would be rude to leave you outside in this sun."
"Thank you," she whispers, glancing down at the basket before looking up again with an effortful smile. "I hope I'm not being too forward..." Her cheeks flush slightly as she meets your gaze once more. "It's just... it's been so long since I had anyone new to talk to in this town."
She pauses, hesitating briefly before adding, "And you seem like such a nice young man... Jodi told me that you were new here..."
"Yes, I'm new here."
He closes the door behind him as he walks a little closer.
"Yesterday I walked around town and met most of the people. They're very nice, although I didn't have time to visit the store."
"The store is our... I suppose you could say it's my family," she murmurs softly, looking down again as if lost in thought. "But Pierre has been so busy lately that I feel like I barely see him..." Her words trail off into silence, a mix of longing and regret etched on her features.
There's an awkward pause before she clears her throat and forces herself to focus once more on the task at hand. "So, about this tea... It's made using our special blend from the greenhouse." She gestures vaguely towards the doorway leading outdoors. "Let me show you where it grows..."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I think he's really trying hard for you."
He stands up and opens the door again, leaving the door clear once more.
"Well then, please show me where it grows. Maybe I can make some extra money with the tea leaves."
Her cheeks flush at your comment about Pierre trying hard for her, and she forces herself to ignore the stirrings within as they give way to irritation at being misunderstood. "Yes, he's... dedicated," she replies stiffly before turning away and walking briskly towards the greenhouse door.
She pauses with one hand on the latch, taking a deep breath to compose herself. Caroline turns back around, her expression softening somewhat as she finds you still standing by the front door. "This way," she says gently, leading you through the open doors of the greenhouse.
"I'm coming."
He follows her into the greenhouse, where there are many tea plants. Although he feels he's touched a nerve by mentioning her husband's efforts, he decides to change the subject.
"This greenhouse is very nice. I think I'll need one for the winter..."
"Oh," she murmurs distractedly as her eyes dart across the rows of healthy tea plants, "it takes a lot of care to keep it running smoothly... but I've found it very calming, you know?" She glances at you briefly before returning her attention to the delicate green leaves, appearing slightly flustered. "Here is where we grow the special blend..."
She gestures for you to come closer and begins showing you how to properly pick and prepare the tea leaves. As they work side-by-side in silence save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional whispered instruction, her heart races and her skin tingles with anticipation...
"Okay..."
He steps closer, looking at the tea plants and learning how they should be harvested, then notices how nervous she is.
"Are you okay, Miss Caroline?"
Caroline startles at the sound of your voice, her cheeks flushing as she realizes how close they've become. A strand of hair falls across her face, and she hastily tucks it behind her ear, feeling self-conscious under your gaze. She swallows hard before forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I-I'm fine," she says quickly, clearing her throat. "Just... a bit distracted by all of this."
She turns back to the tea plants, fiddling with the leaves and twigs as if intent on plucking them perfectly straight. The silence between you stretches awkwardly, their bodies inches apart despite the pretense that nothing is amiss.