The Sweetness of Water

Caleb and Prentiss have been on the run for eight days without seeing any sign of Hackstedde and his men. Time passes, and after a month, the men see the town of Convent. Caleb, comfortable in the new surroundings, readily wanders into the town to buy provisions. Prentiss, however, is still uneasy and continues to hide between trees and not make eye contact with passing strangers. Prentiss daydreams about being truly free, living in the North where he can have his own house, a job, and a family. He thinks about a life with Delpha or Clementine, his family waiting for him to come home. He becomes more comfortable with showing himself in the town, and his bond with Caleb helps him to realize that he can be happy.

Silas tells Isabelle that she should consider moving back to the homestead in Chambersville so she can be closer to her nephews. She tells Silas that she may need him again but that she would not be leaving Old Ox. After Silas leaves, Isabelle walks into town and posts help wanted signs for the Walker farm.

The first person to respond to Isabelle’s signs was Elliot, a Black man in town looking to get back on his feet.