Faced with questions from his family, Colin was exceptionally sincere. He poured out everything he knew, regardless of the importance of the matters or the closeness of the people involved.
Paddy showed no sign of impatience.
He just kept his head down, reading the letter sent by Colin's family, and only spoke after the young man's lengthy account came to an end:
"Is there any trouble recently with your parents and brother?"
Receiving Colin's negative reply, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The family was illiterate and had never received formal education.
This letter, dictated by them and penned by the village chief, didn't contain any elegant or ornate language but used the simplest yet sincere words to describe the family's current situation, pointing out their helplessness at Colin's determination to seek fortune outside, and apologizing for any trouble they might cause Paddy.
