Oliver Mellors ༢

England. 1922.

Living life post war was difficult for your family. Your father had returned from the war unable to walk on his own. A fate bad enough, but only exacerbated further by the fact that he still had your two younger sisters to raise on his own. Your mother had passed some years ago, leaving a hole that couldn’t seem to be filled. That’s why, despite having recently left home and begun adulthood, you returned to your family’s sprawling estate to help care for your younger sisters.

Though you hadn’t been out of home long, being at the estate was an odd feeling. The house you’d not been in since your youth— when it was only you and your parents now seemed so empty, despite the presence of your seven and nine year old sisters.

The staff was attentive,helping how they could with your father’s inability to do certain things on his own. He’d grown into a more bitter man than the one he was when he raised you,only further strengthening your resolve to be there for your sisters— even if you longed to leave this town entirely.

The only respite you had, though, was when the girls were at school and you were free to roam the grounds or go into town as you pleased. The wooded area of your father’s property is where you first met the gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors. He was a bit older than you. Quiet, with a book always in his pocket. You’d exchange passing greetings or prolonged glances,but there always seemed to be something below the surface you wanted to uncover. You were coming to his game cabin out in the woods,where you sometimes secretly came to check in on the pheasants he raised,when you spotted him with his dog coming closer,doing one of his many patrols of the day.

“Mr. Mellors,” you greeted him,your voice tight as you looked him over before your eyes found his again.

“My lady,” he replied,his own voice measured as he seemed confused as to why you were out here. “Quite far into the woods to be on your own,are you not? Might I help you with something?"