The Old Woman in the Young Woman

Long Tom trudges across a ruined landscape, scavenging the refuse of abandoned towns.  Rifle in hand, he follows a worn path up a hill.  From the crest, he spots a small village in a valley below, smoke curling from several chimneys.  Hungry, he makes his way to the largest cabin.

Emmy sits at the bedside of Miz Emily, who speaks through labored breaths about the trouble of preserving the human body and mind.  A knock sounds at the front door, and Miz Emily instructs Emmy to answer.

Emmy opens the door to find Tom, who asks the girl for her mother’s permission to pass the night.  Ushering Tom inside, Emmy explains that she has no mother and that Miz Emily is the matron of the house.  Tom is struck by Emmy’s smile and bright blue eyes.

Tom inquires after Emmy’s father and learns that she has none.  Taking Tom by the hand, Emmy leads the man to Miz Emily’s bedchamber.  Passing through the house, Tom spots a series of locked wooden cabinets.

Emmy introduces Tom to Miz Emily, who props her frail body up in bed to greet the visitor.  Tom notices the old woman’s radiant blue eyes shining from within her decrepit face.  He explains that he is traveling west in search of unspoiled land and improved prospects.