It hadn't been the first time that Jack had to split his food rations amongst his brothers. He didn't particularly mind at all since he felt as though it was his responsibility as being the oldest of his siblings. They were growing children and needed the extra nutrition especially from all the labour they were to do around the farm. It might have looked like a tough existence to some, especially the nobles and royalty, but the simplicity and a tight knit family felt far more fulfilling. Though after their mother had fallen ill, Jack and his brothers had to work twice as hard to pay for her medicine. It constant doctor check ups were also taking a toll on their savings. They were barely scraping along but they still had the farm and each other. What more could the young man ask for?
As late afternoon came to a close Jack called the others for evening supper. They were a rowdy bunch. The younger siblings playing with their food and some even fighting over who gets the last boiled potato. Jack enjoyed every minute of it and wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world. Near the end of dinner he felt a slight tug on his trousers and when he looked to investigate, he found the youngest of his brothers staring up at him. He saw the shining object clutched in Leo's right hand and smiled as he nodded his consent. The little child's face immediately lit up as he trotted away to the entrance of the house and awaited his older brother.
"I'll be right back, do you think you can handle it for a few without me Eric?," Jack asked the second youngest. Eric practically jumped at the chance and confidently gave a yes as if willingly to do whatever his big brother asked of him. Not a few moments later, Leo with Jack carrying him on his shoulders, were walking through the darkening village streets towards the center square. This was somewhat a tradition for the two. Every month, if finances was good, they would save one shiny silver pence. And of the last night of that week, throw it into the fountain in the middle of the village square.
Just as they were a few feet from it, Leo surged forward in excitement. Jack ran along after him when he stopped in his tracks by the side of the fountain. His eyes popped and widened as he looked at the girl who had apparently beat them to it. She was pretty. Incredibly pretty. She did look strangely familiar though as if he had seen her somewhere before.
