The mallet felt heavy, and the midday sun was burning Alice’s back. Despite her numerous splinters, her fatigued muscles, and her tired eyes, she still preferred nailing boards to the deck over sitting in the clinic doing nothing.

Alongside her worked Alex, his bright red hair bobbing up and down as struck nails into the upturned boards. He was fairly strong, hammering in two tacks for every one Alice did. Periodically, he would go over her work, making sure they were secure, and pounding in those that were still loose.

After they repaired all the boards that had flown up during the storm, Alex offered her a drink. She took it almost greedily, and gulped it down, tired and thirsty from the work. They sat down with their backs to the railing, and Alice looked out onto the deck, happy with what she had done.

They had worked mostly in silence, him asking her to pass a nail once in a while. Besides the introductions, they had barely exchanged two words. That's why, when he asked a simple question, she was caught a bit by surprise.

“Aren't you supposed to be a noblewoman of some sorts?” he asked

She looked at him then turned away, a laugh escaping her lips. “Something like that,” she replied.

“Then why are you out here nailing boards to deck? Heck, I even heard you asked to do this,” he asked out of curiosity.

Alice looked forward, the constant sunshine warming her face. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the smell of the ocean. Opening them, she replied, “Would you believe me if I told you the work reminds me of home?”

“What do you mean,” he asked, looking a bit perplexed, “Do they make rich ladies work where you’re from?”

“Not exactly,” she laughed, “But the place where I’m from has a similar feel.”

“No offence, lady, I think you’re a bit crazy to want to work out here,” he commented, “But if you keep doing good work like today, I don’t mind,” he added, slapping her shoulder. Then he smiled at her, finished his drink, and walked away.