cathy

I do, whether you believe it or not.

I failed because I knew these things.

Or you were just unlucky.

The workers need not, and cannot, take responsibility for your bad luck.

...I hate talking to people like you.

I don't hate talking to you. You're hardly the worst person I've met.

I hope luck will favor the people of this city.

I asked Clara what price you set. Like you said, you didn't rent her the warehouse for the money.

...It's not like I didn't want to do some good. If heaven would let me.

But heaven didn't show as much kindness to me as I tried to show others.

Bah, forget it. Why am I even telling you this.

Anyway, the warehouse's sold. You heard me? Don't come back.

'It's not that I don't want to help, I just can't help anymore.' Is that what you think?

If that's really the case, maybe you can hear me out. There's still a way for you to gain some appreciation, if you're up for it.

A few days later...

I'm done over here, Catherine!

What? No way you worked faster than me—

You bet I did! I want my pint of beer.

Good work, folks. Drinks are on me.

No! We had a bet. He owes me one, even if you're buying.

This round's still on me. You can collect from him later.

Please, allow me. Come over to my place afterwards, Bernie, Galvin and Catherine, and let me play host.

No need to be so polite, Clara. It's just a little prefab, easily done.

Yeah, spend that money on food for the kids, not beer for Bernie.

I'll let you settle that bet by turning the beer you owe me to bread for Clara.

But you've helped so much...

They're on the night shift today, Clara. They can't come.

Oh... alright. Another day, then.

What about you, Catherine? You have the time, don't you? This could never have happened without you...

I couldn't have imagined that the factory owner was a good man... I hardly dared breathe when the two of you were talking the other day.

Good man, huh... I suppose.

You won't find an empty plot of land in Highbury, outside of scattered spaces on factory premises. Fortunately, all he sold were the buildings, not the land.

Will we be alright when the Columbians come?

No problem. I had a look at the place that day. There wasn't much use for this little corner anyway, other than storing some junk.

We'll patch up that brick wall later so that it'll be separated from the factory area.

Besides, we have a proper lease signed this time. Today's Londinium has some rules, at least. There's nothing to be afraid of.

It's all thanks to you, Catherine...

All I've done is help out for a couple of days. It's nothing compared to how you've been taking care of the kids for so long.

It's not like I'm good for much else at my age... it's not so much that I'm taking care of the kids as the kids are keeping me company.

Oh dear, look at me, being pessimistic again. You're not offended, are you?

No, I'm not. I know that's the kind of person you are. Whatever you think about yourself, Clara, I think you're amazing.

To Catherine's surprise, Clara looks sad at the answer, as though it brought back unpleasant memories.

Are you thinking about Ian? Unhappy that he's cross with you?

...Maybe. I can tell that sometimes when he looked at me, there's something he wanted to say, but couldn't say out loud.

If you can tell what he's thinking, he can tell what you're thinking. Perhaps he has his own considerations.

That day... I was quite sure there was something he wanted to say to me, but he never actually said it. Then he just got angry with me for days. What was I supposed to do...

I know, I shouldn't have said that he made me feel worse...

I want to invite everyone from the association to gather once I've cleaned up the place... do you think Ian will come?

Don't ask me. Ask him.

Day of the gathering

Can I plant something here, Clara? My teacher wants us to observe how seeds sprout. I brought the peas and cans!

Don't tell me you're trying to make canned peas sprout.

Don't be silly! I'm not stupid. My dad bought fresh peas from the grocery store!

Can I plant them, Clara? Can I?

Of course, darling. There's some dirt piled up over there that you can use.

Do you take care of all these children by yourself?

There aren't so many usually. They came because of the gathering...

I'm not by myself. The others take turns to come over and help. I don't have to go to work, so I have more time.

Ian's retired too. He can help you.

Is he not here?

...I went to his place a couple of days ago to tell him about the gathering, but he wasn't at home.

I left a message with his neighbor, but...

Is he avoiding me?

...Have you ever thought about talking to him, Clara?

Talk... about what?

Forming a family, the two of you.

Wh-What are you talking about?

I'm not saying you have to form a family, but at least let him know that you like him. Don't keep everything in your heart.

C-Catherine, I... I... you...

Did you think I couldn't tell?

But... at my age...

What good is there in hiding it? What do you have to lose by saying it?

But people don't talk about these things at this age...

What about 'this age'? It's not like your brain's stop working, or your heart's stop beating. You like being with him, care about him, and look all sullen when you don't see him. It's obvious, isn't it?

People will gossip so much...

And what about it? All the things that you and Ian have done at the association, what kind of person you are, it's there for everyone to see.

Taking care of children is a good thing. This is different. It's so... shameful...

I, I don't mean to say you're wrong, Catherine. I'm just... I'm talking about myself...

Are you saying that you're being 'shameful'?

I know you. You always treat people sincerely, as you treat Ian.

There's nothing shameful about being sincere.

I know we're at 'this age', but all the more reason to go for what you want, while you can.

How much time do we have left? What is there to worry about?

But... he's still angry with me... what do I do...

You know what kind of man Ian is, don't you? Kind, gentle soul, just like you. Did you really think he would stay angry with you?

Even if it's not today...

Oh, look who's here.

*huff*... *huff*...

Ian!

You... you came?

Why are you in such a hurry...

Baldi didn't tell me until this morning! He was grinning from ear to ear, saying, 'I almost forgot! Clara came to look for you again...'

That bloody bastard!

I thought you were angry with me...

I... yes, I was a little angry that day.

I... never mind.

Don't 'never mind'. Clara gets anxious when you swallow your words like that, like she's been these few days.

I... I wanted to have the association here because... because Clara is the one who cares for the children the most.

The other places were all too far from her home...

How much time would it take for her to go back and forth with her bad legs? What if she has an accident?