She stood to her feet offering him a hand. Sam gladly reached out and once again was able to hold her hand in his. Sam’s muscles ached, but he didn’t want to make it seem nearly as bad as it truly was. Sam found it hard to show negative emotions. He always wanted people to think he was happy, or pain free even though he may be having a terrible day or be in agony. Although even what little he knows about Layla he was sure she would not mind if he were to complain about his aching muscles just this once, and of course his swollen face. She pulled gently yet strong, lifting him slowly to his feet. Sam held back a whimper in his throat. His knees wobbled, and he felt as if his body was falling apart. Before Sam’s legs could give out Layla caught him, and wrapped her arm around his midsection, giving him support. “I’m sorry.” Sam said weakly. “You have no need to be sorry Sam, why are you apologizing?” Layla questioned. “Because Layla, you shouldn’t have to be looking after me like this.” Sam Replied. It wasn’t Sam’s fault he was so independent. That’s just the way he always was. He would rarely ask for any help, and if he did it was only to be shown how to do something, so he would never need to ask again. Even if he were sick, he would only seek attention if it was something life threatening or excruciating, Although Sam did had his limits. But to him, he felt wrong for letting someone take care of him. It made him feel weak inside to know that he couldn’t do something by himself. It also didn’t help that he had his father’s voice echoing in his brain saying “You have big shoes to fill, its time to become the man of the house Sam. Make me proud son.”

          Layla looked at Sam and again gave him a sympathetic look. “That’s what people do for each other Sam, I’m sure you would do the same for me if I were injured or needed your help, just like you did for your mother. Besides, I love helping people.” She said. Layla did make an excellent point. Sam knew that if the roles were reversed he would be right here by Layla’s side. He would never turn away someone in need, no matter how small. Sam let his guard down, and eased his muscles putting more weight on Layla as they walked together slowly towards the farmhouse. “There you go, much easier now huh?” Layla said. Sam Looked down at her, and a contagious smile was brought to his face. The more time he spent with her, the more and more he began to like about her. Layla naturally held genuine and flawless qualities, from every angle and viewpoint.

The walk back to the farmhouse was painfully slow and seemed like it was going to take an eternity. He looked up at his run down home, and could see Gerald’s horse and carriage parked in front. The condition of his home disheartened him, but his mother refused to let him care for it. The atmosphere and disposition surrounding his mother was as if she never planned on staying in the home long. But the years passed and the seasons changed, each taking its toll on the weathered home. Grass seemed to grow out of every cobblestone crack, although Gerald’s horses did not seem to mind as they grazed. Sam gave the grass much admiration for striving in their current environment and surroundings. The soil around the farmhouse was much less fertile then the soil in the field, not to mention it was small rocks or chips of cobblestone and tree’s blocked most of the sunlight during the day. Sam’s incomparable mind reflected upon the grass’s unique qualities in contrast to human nature and himself.

          He thought about how not all get the comfort and satisfaction of an easy life. Hardships are what give us character. They shape who we are and make us stronger. Those who are given everything, and never have to fight for what they truly want are the weakest among us. Sam did not have a choice if his father should live or die, and assuredly he would not have chosen death. But this event in Sam’s life created who he is today, the words of wisdom and the teachings his father gave him over the years were instilled in him completely. He swore to never forget anything he was taught and make his father proud. Although a terrible incident Sam looked at the positive. He felt like the blades of grass, swaying in the breeze beside the farmhouse. They did not have the choice as to where they would be, or how hard their life would be. But they grew anyways because that’s all they knew, and Sam shared the same ideology. He was going to grow, and to strive. No matter what obstacles life threw his way.