For the first time in months, she could prepare food without constantly balancing her weight on aching knees.
She looked toward Elias.
"Why?"
He seemed confused.
"Because the other one's dangerous."
Loretta shook her head.
"I mean, why would you spend your money on me?"
Elias looked at her for a long moment.
Then he answered quietly.
"Because you need somewhere safe to sit."
The simplicity of the answer overwhelmed her.
She began crying.
Walter pretended to inspect the stove.
Elias remained still.
He didn't tease her.
He didn't ask her to stop.
After a moment, Loretta wiped her cheeks and laughed shakily.
"I must look ridiculous."
Elias shook his head.
"No, ma'am."
She looked up.
He continued.
"You look like someone who hasn't been given much help."
Loretta's expression softened.
Then she whispered, "That's true."
Elias nodded.
"Well, there's a start."
Walter cleared his throat.
"If anybody breaks this one, send them to me. I'll have a conversation with them."
Loretta laughed.
The blacksmith smiled.
Then he returned to his forge.
Elias lifted the old stool.
"Mind if I take this for firewood?"
Loretta looked toward the damaged seat.
For a moment, she felt a strange reluctance.
She had used it for almost a year.
It was uncomfortable and unreliable, but it was hers.
Then she looked at the new bench.
She smiled.
"Take it."
Elias carried the old stool outside.
And Loretta returned to her work, seated comfortably for the first time in months.
That afternoon, a young miner named Thomas Rusk entered the Copper Pot before the evening rush.
Thomas was twenty-four, tall and thin, with dark hair and a narrow face. He'd come to Red Dog two years earlier, hoping to earn enough money to bring his wife and baby daughter west from Nebraska. He worked the night shift and usually ate quietly near the back wall.
He had never joined Bram's jokes.
In fact, he'd once apologized to Loretta after another miner mocked her.
Now he approached the counter holding a folded pay statement.
"Miss Loretta?"
She looked up.
"Hello, Thomas."
He hesitated.
"Could I ask you something?"
"Of course."
He placed the paper on the counter.
"I think they've taken too much from my wages."
Loretta examined the statement.
It listed his hours, base pay, equipment deductions, lodging charges, and meals.
She frowned.
"How many suppers did you eat here last week?"
Thomas thought for a moment.
"Five."
Loretta opened her ledger.
She found his name.