Apple which Flynn was holding was green and so shiny. He had a habit of rubbing apples into his shirt and would eat it when he saw himself in it. He takes apples from their yard. His family is known for a long tradition to grow and trade apples. It's their job since the Fall of Earth. Stories behind the work of families in this city are interesting. It's saying that a family is doing work which their ancestors have saved during Falling. Better to say stuff they saved. Flynns ancestors saved a couple of apples and they managed to grow a tree of their seeds. They are so lucky that some people saved seeds from all kinds of plants.
A lot of seasons passed with failure to grow apples but with last hope one tree finally grew. Then for generations knowledge was passed down to younger people. After years people again saw apples and they admired them since then. There is no other place in the city where you could find an apple tree. And even if there is another tree it is not best like their apples are. Now the government, the Mayor, has everything under their control.
Before Flynn could take a bite someone took it from him. It was an old looking lady smelling like sweat and dirt. Her shoes were full of dirt and her dress was ripped. She used parts of her dress for her head. So he doesnt get sunburn.
"Come on Granny. One apple. No one will notice." He said in a whiny voice.
"Our household will. We are already in so much trouble." she exhaled. "This year especially. They are such bad quality."
"But-"
"No buts. Only butt is on your back." At her statement Flynn just rolled his eyes.
First rule in their house was taking shoes off. At least some of them kept manners after all those years. Flynn had a bad habit of taking shoes with another foot. Granny hated that because then his shoes got worn very quickly. Granny sat in a chair next to the door that was made especially for her for many hours of trading at the market.
She began to take her shoes off but didn't need to look at Flynn to know he took his shoes off with his bad habit. "I wont this time trade for your new shoes." Flynn looked at her worried. "Don't look at me like that. I am just letting you know. You are of age soon and you need to work for yourself."
"Oh yea you just reminded me. I want to go with you to the Market next time." telling her that he got on his knees to help her get shoes off. Granny looked at him suspiciously.
"Is the devil in you? Whenever I ask you, you never want to come. Are you actually going to be with me or with Rose and that city girl?" He never answered her question, just smiled. She just sighed and waved with her hand in confirmation so he let her go. She knew if she dont let him come, he would be annoying.
When they came into the kitchen it was a mess. They both didn't even look shocked like it was an everyday occurrence. They didn't even need to say a word or look at each other because they knew what happened here. They just started to clean. After cleaning they served lunch. Put on four plates. For him, mother, father and Granny. After waiting for others to join, dad joined quickly and left again. His mothers plate was empty till dinner time. After they had lunch they cleaned after themselves and Granny was preparing her bag for the Market again. She put on a new dress she traded last week and she brushed her hair that was in a bun the whole morning. She tried to look decent. She took a whole basket full of apples and carrots.
"Better to come with me today." her voice trembled full of sadness. She sat down again to fix her shoes but Flynn was quick enough and he helped her.
"Don't worry about me Granny. I won't be here when she wakes up." he showed her calming smile. Granny went with her rusty hands over Flynns cheek. Taking the apple which she took from him before she gave back to him. "Thank you."
After Granny left he went upstairs to check up on mother. She was still in bed. Asleep. Room was full of empty bottles and it reeked of alcohol. Even when it's forbidden she doesn't care about her family. When Flynn looked around the room, he saw a bottle that was broken and had blood on it. He went to grab some bandages and sat down next to mother. He carefully looked at her arm and saw her palm was bleeding. He put a bandage around her palm but mother didn't even react. He sighed and stood up ready to leave. But as he wanted to leave she grabbed his hand and didn't let go.
"Mother?" But the moment he called her she let it go and turned to another side. He quickly grabbed a backpack on his way out and took a bite of the apple. When he came outside expecting no one there was a neighbour that he avoided his whole life.
Flynn tried to walk past them but they spoke up.
"Have I seen you here before? You look very familiar." they asked and he froze. Flynn just looked at her not knowing what to say and he just mumbled. Nothing came out from him.
"What did you say? I didn't get anything you said."
"I am just passing by. They have the best apples. I heard." He knew she wouldn't let it go so he gave a simple answer.
"Are you sure that you are here only for apples? I saw Sarah leave yesterday and didnt see her coming back home."
"She is home." He smiled. "And don't worry I am only here for apples as you can see." He took another bite from the apple.
"Sure." She didn't sound like he convinced her and she continued. "I don't have anything against affairs but you know how city rules are. I just don't want her to get caught."
"Excuse me?" He was in disbelief. He needed some time to process what she just said. "It's nothing like that. Really. I just got apples from here." he looked weird at her. With judging on his face he slowly continued to walk away.
"Just be careful." she warned him.
When he was crossing the road he bumped into someone.