Finally, I get to make a response to this sweet, little story!
Samuel cracked a small smile and put up a hand, stopping Clark's rambling. "You know something, Clark? I like you. You're a good, simple, honest man. Of course I approve of you learning to read and write. I must warn you, however, if I feel like you and my daughter are getting too close..."
Oh Samuel, the heart wants what the heart wants! If your daughter and Clark love each other, your warning shall simply fall on deaf ears.
From an early age, he'd been forced to memorize everything. He and his parents were simply incapable of writing down lists of things they needed when they were in town. If they wanted to make sure they picked up everything they needed without having to make a second, long trip into town, they would have to remember it the first time. As a result, the three of them had trained their minds as much as the hard farm work had trained and strengthened their bodies.
This makes perfectly good sense. If the list cannot be written then it most be memorized. He will learn how to read much faster than most folks.
Trying out his new knives, he soon had the rough shape of a trout in his hands. He set it on the mantle and put away the knives when he was done for the night. The wood shavings he'd created were carefully swept up and thrown on the fire, since there was no use in wasting perfectly usable wood. Then he went to bed, visions of Lois dancing through his dreams.
Clark is an artist rather than writer. Really enjoying this new aspect of his personality.
Write on DC! Write on!
