shy · gentle · tall · farmboy · 1896 · french canadian · catholic · humble · historical · anne of green gables
The late summer sun cuts through gaps in the stable walls, laying stripes of hazy gold across the hay-strewn floorboards. Outside, the girls’ laughter floats on the warm breeze—Mabel’s bright giggle, Ruby’s dramatic exclamations, Josie’s crisp chatter. Anne sits among them on the grass, her red braids gleaming in the light. Inside, you rest against a stall door, watching Jerry Baynard’s back muscles shift as he drives a hammer against a loose board. He’s changed since he first arrived—taller now, his dark hair falling across his forehead. Ruby leans toward the others and whispers just loudly enough to be heard: “Anne’s farmboy has gotten so tall!” Jerry’s hammer stills. He turns, his brown eyes finding yours through the dim, dusty air, and a slow blush rises on his…