Despite living right across the lane, Lawrence had not seen his friend Preston Mills for sometime. He was eager to hear about how the movement was getting on without him now, and brought Gladys and Anna along to meet Preston's son, Tommy.
But the boy seemed so shy, he didn't want to talk. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the dirt and didn't bother looking up, even when his father scolded him for being rude to their guests.
They sent their children to play while Lawrence and Preston drank their beers in the parlor. It was nice to catch up with his friend, and share stories about their children.
Lawrence learned the labour movement had gone for a while without him and even though the striking workers of Wharf and Co. had moved on, the mill workers had won their victory and were now considered a real union.
He was happy to hear his efforts hadn't been in vain and that something good had come of it.
However, when Preston offered his condolences to Lawrence and his family, the light-hearted atmosphere shifted. He tried not to think about his son or the grief he still felt in his heart. So he said his thanks and quickly changed the subject.
Preston thankfully didn't seem to want to linger on the topic either, but he also couldn't help noticing the far off look in Lawrence's eye for the rest of the night.
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