Upon searching through the cupboards, she found the necessary ingredients for a quick bread with dried fruit and nuts. She slid the loaf pan into the oven after giving Chara yogurt with fruit. Then she mixed up some eggs and zucchini for a scramble. While she was debating whether or not to cook all of the eggs now or just a portion for Chara, Stavros walked in from outside. She went ahead and started heating the egg mixture as he kicked off his boots and hung up his jacket.
Tasia understood that the man of the house worked in the forest, but she knew little beyond that. Stavros didn’t offer a greeting of any sort. He padded into the bedroom he shared with his wife and reappeared in time for a plate of eggs. After being met with silence when she wished him a good morning and asked about his day so far, Tasia limited her conversation to answering the little girl’s unending questions.
The quick bread was ready shortly after Stavros finished his eggs. He patiently waited for her to cut off a slice when it had cooled enough not to crumble apart. Tasia was increasinglygrateful that Chara hadn’t stopped speaking since she woke up, as it covered the awkward silence radiating from her father.
About the time that Tasia was beginning to despair of being rescued by the appearance of the others or his return to work, Stavros spoke.
“If you expect to stay in this house, you need to contribute to the family coffers in some way.”
Indignation burned within Tasia, though she didn’t let it show on her face. It felt rather unfair for him to insinuate that she wasn’t pulling her weight when she had just fed himandwas watching his child.
“I’ve been lenient so far, but you’ve been here long enough to find your footing.”
It’s been two days, Tasia thought.
“It’s time for you to get a job.”
He finished speaking and made eye contact with her for the first time that morning. Understanding that he expected an answer, she smiled cheerfully and promised to head out as soon as someone was available to watch Chara. Satisfied, Stavros grunted and stalked over to his boots, leaving his dishes behind. It seemed he had filled his childcare quota last night.
Anthi stirred from her room not long after. She gushed about breakfast being ready and made encouraging sounds when Tasia shared the plan to seek employment. The older woman was visibly less thrilled when Tasia didn’t offer to take Chara with her.
Pagona woke up as Tasia tried to leave, delaying her departure by expecting freshly cooked eggs.
“I’m afraid I’m heading out to find a job,” Tasia said. She kept her voice light and even. “Everything you need is right there.”
“And you already made food for everyone else.” Pagona put her hands on her hips and scowled at their guest. “It’s my turn.”
Tasia looked to Anthi, who focused on her plate and hummed to herself. Finding no help there, she tried to stare Pagona down. A losing battle from the start, Tasia grit her teeth and narrowed her eyes.
“Why don’t you ask Mo—”
“Thank you for doing this, dear,” Anthi interrupted smoothly. “We appreciate your gracious service.”
Tasia flicked her eyes over toMotherAnthi, who refused to look at either opponent. Tasia sighed through her nose and set to work cooking fresh eggs. As much as she wanted to protest, living with her sisters had taught her that arguing with people who believed you were an idiot never worked in your favor. Additionally, she didn’t have anywhere to go if the Galanis family withdrew their welcome. Antagonizing her hosts was unwise.
Finally scooting out the door after feeding the ungrateful Pagona, Tasia hurried away from the house before she had a solid plan. Securing an income could provide a buffer or a means of escape if worse came to worst. She didn’t know how much Stavros expected her to contribute, but she hoped it wasn’t the full amount.
The Galanis home wasn’t in the inner circle of the village, where the shopkeepers and mayor lived, nor was it on the outskirts. Like the others nearby, it had a substantial garden space and a neat fence. Tasia walked past many similar setups as she made her way toward the middle of the village. Never needing to find work before, she wasn’t fully certain how to go about doing so.
As she walked, she considered what skills might help her. She could read and write. That wasn’t as rare nowadays, as the Editors wanted folks to be able to read the Verified Histories for themselves. Her penmanship was probably fancier, though. Was there a need for pretty writing in this rural community?
Her meager baking and cooking skills might get her a foot in the door somewhere. She doubted she could compete with the folks who actually knew what they were doing, but maybe an apprenticeship was available. Did apprentices get paid? Her brow crinkled as she pondered.
Her musing had gotten her as far as the large well constructed outside what served as a town hall in Boschivo. Still somewhat lost, she scanned her surroundings for inspiration. The inn across the way boasted a tavern and more stories than she would have expected. But more importantly, it had a good number of people buzzing around. Tasia could talk to people. Somebody would be able to help her.
A warning tingle buzzed along her back as she approached the inn. Last night’s general air of unfriendliness wasn’t likely to disappear in the morning light. Tasia wanted to make friends in her new home, but she couldn’t expect open arms from the start. Getting a job should help. Working together formed bonds, right?
Before she waltzed through the inn’s open front door, she noticed a “help wanted” sign pinned to the wall. Lacking employment history, Tasia wasn’t sure if the wages listed were reasonable or not, but the duties sounded doable. The line claiming that no experience was necessary brought a smile to her face. She followed a cane-wielding older man into the building.
Her first impression was that of joyful busyness. Scarred but sturdy wooden tables filled the main room, while a long bar sat opposite a staircase leading to the upper floors. Many of the tables had people sitting around them. Tasia could smell the delicious aroma of the day’s special that was being passed out by a stout woman with a red face and more curls falling around her shoulders than trapped in her bun.
A grunt from behind let Tasia know she was still blocking the door. She slid to the side to let the grunter pass. The man behind the bar counter was pouring drinks efficiently but without haste. Feeling unusually timid, Tasia hesitated by the door. In the few minutes that she lingered, the rest of the tables filled up with diners. She wasn’t sure if the villagers favored an early lunch or if that had more to do with it being a rest day.
Realizing she couldn’t wait long enough for the rush to die down, Tasia squared her shoulders and wound her way to the bar. She adopted her friendliest smile, which was not returned by the barman. Undeterred, she pressed on. “Hello, I saw you have a ‘help wanted’ notice by the door—”
“Sorry,” the man said, not sounding the least apologetic. “We have all the help we need. Just forgot to take down the sign.” He continued filling mugs and setting them at the edge of the counter.
“Oh.” Tasia looked around the room.
