act28side

I don't mind, even if you never pay it back.

No, stop it... Don't say things like that. I'll definitely find a way to return the favor someday.

Here. When the bank comes to collect, give them this check. Sorry...

*sigh*... And why are <i>you</i> apologizing? It ain't like you're the one borrowing money.

By the way, one other thing. Leone was too embarrassed to tell you himself, but he wanted me to pass this on.

He found out about the money?!

You silly girl... I told you, your secret's safe with me. Why would I tell him? He just wants to treat you to a meal.

Seems like bandits ain't the only thing Woodrow's been tracking. He's got a good catch of fowlbeasts. Miles and Benny'll be there too.

Oh, okay then...

You don't sound too happy about it.

That's because... Actually, I saw a lot of people outside the bank on my way here. They were signing agreements... to head out to the frontier.

I asked around, and it seems like it's a way of shedding some of their debt.

But why do they have to abandon everything and risk their lives to start over in a place with nothing, just for a little bit of debt relief?

Can they... even survive that ordeal?

And last but not least, the main course. Garlic-crusted fowlbeast with roast potatoes.

Whoa, that smells amazing...

I'll have this piece.

Put it down, Woody. That's for Jessica.

You heard her. She's the star of tonight's feast.

It's no big deal. I just saw what was going on in Davistown and felt that I couldn't sit back and watch... As for the food, I'm fine with whatever, really. I even had some biscuits earlier, so I'm not that hungry.

See, she's fine with it.

No means no. Benny, this one's for you.

Oh, wow... Th-Thank you very much.

Tch...

What's so funny?

N-Nothing. It just occurred to me how different you seem, compared to when we first met.

Yeah... He's been like that for ages. When he first strolled in town, he immediately pissed off pretty much everyone in the mines. We all thought that this grumpy, sharp-tongued asshole was here to cause trouble.

And what happened after that?

Then, he met Helena.

He really should be thanking her. If it weren't for her warmth and willingness to put in a few good words for him with those unlikable fellas...

But chat a bit today, and you'll find common ground tomorrow. In the end, she discovered his more... charming side, and showed it off to the others.

There was even a song going around at that time, probably written by one of her admirers. Still remember how it goes, Miles?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Right, there was that song. I think it's coming back to me.

Give us the intro, and let's sing it together—

Who gave you jerks permission to sing in my restaurant—

♪I wandered here alone, not a penny to my name♪

♪My hometown far behind me, miles and miles away♪

♪The barrens stretch before me, as far as I can see♪

♪And who's waiting at the end, who indeed but she♪

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

Is this song... about Helena?

Who else?

If you ask me... the 'her' it mentions might not be a specific person, but rather a broader idea.

What sort of idea?

Maybe this 'she' is a home filled with everyone's dreams. Davistown itself.

Hey, that makes sense!

Think about it. The second verse talks about her 'body,' right? That's the energy tower. Her 'hair' is the white smoke coming from it, and her 'burning heart' must be the plant's furnace.

And, in that section you fellas just sang, with her 'arms' and her 'embrace'? Ain't that just like those two long railroad tracks... embracing everyone here?

So many pioneers carved out this piece of land, bit by bit, with the tools in their hands. It'd become the place they started their families and businesses in.

And after that, even more youngsters arrived with their dreams and aspirations, following the footsteps of the previous generation and pitching in their youth and passion.

'She,' and only 'she,' is worthy of everyone's admiration.

I knew it... I knew it!

It all makes sense now!

Anyhow, no way in hell anybody's pinning all their hopes and dreams on my body.

The engineer has nothing more to say. His eyelids droop and his head tilts back slightly, the restaurant owner's words whisking him back to the past.

He remembers the soot-stained faces of his coworkers when they went home after a long shift. He remembers how his neighbors would greet him in the morning when he left for work.

He remembers the cool and refreshing beer foam escaping from the rim of his glass, and the warmth on his cheeks from the children's kisses.

His thoughts are wild and turbulent, but they fill his heart with warmth and comfort.

Just like the song he is humming right now. Completely tuneless, yet moving nevertheless.

♪And who's waiting at the end, who indeed but she♪

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

The others in the room stop what they are doing, and make no other sounds. Only the engineer's voice is allowed to fill the entire restaurant.

After a while, the boiler worker's coarse voice joins the song, and the restaurant owner begins to hum along softly.

Even Woodrow, whose attention had been seized by the food on his plate, cannot help but tap his fingertips against his knees to the beat.

Only Jessica feels gripped by an inexplicable unease, as if there is a dark shadow in her heart that will not go away.

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

I still remember when you fellas got together to sing that, back in the day. Your voices lit up the entire room... Felt like your singing cleared up the winter fog that year.

Always the same song as just now, ma'am?

Haha, hardly. They knew all sorts of songs. The miners came from all over, bringing so many songs in so many languages.

Umm... Does Woodrow also know how to sing?

He ain't much of a talker. Whenever we all get together, he just stuffs his face. Like now.

*cough* *cough*... Helena, when are you gonna crack open the bottle of champagne I brought back?

Shoot, I really am getting old, huh? Nearly forgot.

Umm, about Miles... He...

Don't worry about him. Said he wanted to take a stroll, so he did.

Just pop the cork and pour him a glass. We can toast when he comes back!

Alright, without further ado—

The cork shoots out with a pop, golden wine and silver foam splashing out at the same time. The sweet aroma spreads across the room, and wondrous befuddlement sparkles in the eyes of everyone at the table.

Here, Jessica, you're the star tonight, so the first glass is for you.

Thank you...

Next up is you, Woody. Thanks for helping her talk some sense into that stubborn old burdenbeast.

Don't mention it.

This one's for Miles... This one's for me... And last and definitely least is you, Leone. For killing us with worry all this time.

Okay, I deserved that.

To be perfectly honest, I actually—

If you got something to say, better wait for Miles. You ain't gonna leave him out like that, are you?

Ah, yeah, makes sense.

The table that had been lively all evening falls quiet, and the spilled champagne seeps silently into dark, unseen places.

Past bowls and plates.

Excuse me...

What is it, Benny?

Past cups and saucers.

Actually... there's something I wanted to announce to everyone...

Was wondering why you were so quiet today, but I guess you had something brewing. Waiting to snatch the spotlight from your dad at the dinner table?

Benny, why don't you wait for Miles too?

Past empty wine bottles.

No... I think now's the best time.