The ox cart clattered to a halt in front of the uneven dirt yard of Simon's family. The autumn wind howled through the cracks in the mud walls, tearing at the frayed thatched roof. Simon's parents were sitting on the porch washing ferns. Their two sons had been frequenting The Moon's Fork these past few days, and the couple knew the dishes made from fern roots were selling quite well over there.
After finishing their farm work, Simon's father took the time to dig up fern roots while Thelma washed them. When they had free time, they chopped the roots into small pieces to make it easier for the kids to grind. The old couple was chatting as they worked. Hearing the noise, they hurriedly looked up. Seeing their two sons returning with a mountain of goods piled on the cart, they were both happy and surprised.
There were so many things on the cart!
