4 The Big House

Chirrup,

Listen to the frog song.

Cheer up,

Listen to the frog sing.

Day is done and Night has come.

Chin up,

Listen to the frog hum.

Chirrup,

Listen for the morning gong.

The Big House reminds me of a period drama I'd watched on tv. Maples cast dappled shade over us as I follow Flint and Allegra May over a short bridge that spans a koi pond. On the other side, we walk into the central courtyard of the timber framed house. On one side is the single-story detached wing of the house they call 'The Bunkhouse'. The main house consisted of the other wing and and the two story structure before us.

Potted plants fill the courtyard, hanging under the rafters and lining the walls. Ivy, gourds, and beans sprawl up support beams. Lotus and water lily float in shallows bowls where frogs are chirping their evening lullabies. And in every space in between are pots of delicate ferns and ancient bonsai lifted up on bronze stands.

I stand there, amazed, wondering again if perhaps I might be dreaming. Was it true that this was now my house too? I felt like a queen — or at least a consort — standing there in the courtyard looking up at that magnificent house.

Flint pauses at the main entrance to 'The Big House'. Above the door is a large plaque written in an unfamiliar language. He reaches up to place a fond pat upon the plaque.

"My family has lived in this house for generations. Legacy — this house is strong with legacy." He gives a soft laugh as he drops his hand back to his side. "When I was a boy, this house was filled with children — my seven siblings and I and a spattering of cousins. There used to be joy here. But then —" He doesn't finish his sentence. Instead, a dark shadow passes over his face and he turns and leads me over the threshold.

Allegra May deserts me as soon as she can rip her boots off and throw them haphazardly at the wall of the genkan. Intent on proving myself refined to my new husband, I tidily place my boots in the accompanying cabinet just below his.

The pitter-patter of Allegra May's feet can be heard as she runs across the hardwood to the stairs and then across the landing of the second floor to the rooms beyond.

I am now left alone with the awkwardness of my new husband.

He's removed his hat as he stands opposite me. I brace myself. Does he expect me to lean in for a kiss? We are married now, after all… But no, he starts talking again instead. So I content myself with watching his lips move. He has a strong jaw and high cheekbones. Dark brown eyes that I could get lost in. And his long brown hair is tied up at the nape of his neck.

"I know I was a bit rude to you earlier at the station —"

A bit?

"— but I really do hope that we might —"

I lean in, just so I'm a bit closer in case he's interested in that kiss.

He removes a handkerchief from his breast pocket and wipes his face before stuffing it back into the pocket. He's hardly sweaty.

Come on, cowboy!

"I know back in the village I promised I'd give you a right proper weddin' — and I haven't forgotten — So, I was thinking maybe tomorrow we could have short celebration after morning chores? The ranch hands would love a bit of celebratin'."

"I don't have a dress…"

He puts his hat back on and fiddles with straightening the brim.

"I thought perhaps Allegra May might be able to help you with that. There's a few trunks of dresses her momma —" His eyes look glossy and he turns away.

"Thank you."

"Also, I was hoping you and —"

Just then Po rushes in through the front door, jostling us both to the side as he rushes for the stairs, taking them in great leaps to the floor above.

"— I suppose I should show you to your room," he finishes.

There are five rooms on the second floor, the center one being the master bedroom. The one directly to its left I am forbidden from entering.

"There's nothing there for you."

The one on the right of the master bedroom is for me.

"Feel free to move things around to suite your likin'."

Allegra May's room is the second room to the left.

She pokes her out to wave at me. She's tired after a long day of running off to fetch me.

"Goodnight, May," I say.

"Goodnight, Momma." She runs out of the room to give me a quick embrace.

"Goodnight, Allegra May," says her father as he too receives a warm hug from his daughter. He clears his throat as she continues to hang down from his neck.

With a merry laugh, the little girl runs back to her room and slides the door shut.

Goodnight, Allegra May.

More awkwardness ensues as Flint stands opposite me.

"There's a trunk of extra clothes that should fit you in the room. If you need anything else, my daughter should be able to help you with that in the mornin'."

"Thank you," I whisper. I don't know what else to say other than "Goodnight, husband."

"Goodnight, wife," he says with another polite nod of his head before retiring to his room.

"Goodnight, house," I whisper.

Now it's time to sleep, but I'm in a strange new world more at home in the past than the present. Would I really be able to sleep when I was already dreaming with my eyes wide open?

"Look at me now, Grandpa," I wanted to say. I hope that at least he would be proud of me. I was 'marrying up' after all.

I lay my head down on the pillow and tuck the warm blanket up beneath my neck. And with the world darkening into night, I fall asleep to the chirping of the frogs singing down below in the courtyard.