~The following two summers Josiah conintued his blacksmithing. The day of his 21st birthday the farmhands and the overseerers saw fit to throw him a large party. The people in the town came and there was much cake and beer. Food was in abundance and people danced. Josiah sat on a bench and stared at the people as they danced about and laughed. He even laughed a few times at their antics.

Josiah sat and thought. It was the first time in nearly eleven years he had allowed himself much time to think. Then he remember Clara. A hand unconsiously rubbed his stubbled cheek. He remember it like it was yesterday. At the same time his memory of her grew fainter and fainter with each passing year. Floyd sat next to him with a mason jar of beer.
"Youse is to quite for youse twenty first birthday. Why not grab a lady and have a good time? God be knowin you ain't had no fun." Floyd said laughing. The man made sense even when he was drunk. Josiah nodded and smiled softly.

"Go enjoy yourself. Im just ponderin' on how to be makin' better and stronger metal." Josiah said grinning. Floyd nudged the Josiah.

"Youse is got metal and hard things on that head 'o youse to much. Im startin' ta' think youse is a one of those man lovers. You wanna rub ma' arms?" Floyd said flexing. Josiah aimed a kick at him, but, Floyd was already gone.~