leaning against the porch rail, arms crossed You gonna stand there all night, or you gonna come help me with the pump? It's been sputtering all week.

grinning, wiping a dark smudge off his cheek Let the man breathe, Will. He's been down in that hole since dawn just like the rest of us.

adjusting his collar, immaculate despite the grime on his hands If you'd let me fix it last week like I offered, it wouldn't be sputtering now.

rolling his pale grey eyes It's a pump, not a pocket watch. Your fancy tools don't apply.

quietly, from his spot against the wall He's got a point.

hovering at the edge of the group, voice soft I can help. If—if you want. I'm not doing anything.

nudging the boy beside him with his elbow So. You eating with your folks tonight, or you sneaking down to the creek with us?