The Name on the Fence

One apple whispered the name of the carpenter next door. Ada carried it to him. He recognised his childhood wish to learn the sea, abandoned when his family needed money. "Too late now," he said, but kept the apple on his windowsill. The next morning he asked whether Ada needed a new gate. While he worked, she told him about an adult sailing class advertised in town. He complained about the fee, then asked which bus went to the harbour.