Chapter 69

"Oof!" Jesse was taken by surprise and landed hard on his back. As he tumbled down, his arms flailed wildly and he knocked over the winnowing baskets that held freshly dried fruits. The colorful fruit pieces scattered across the ground with a loud crash. And to top it all off, his bottom ached from the impact of the fall! "Mr. Dalton! Are you okay?" Cynthia rushed forward anxiously and offered her hand to help him up. Jesse rolled his eyes at her. Wasn't it obvious that her question was foolish? She should fall and see for herself if she'd be okay! Amidst the throbbing pain, his gaze fell upon a pile of small dried fruit pieces, and his eyes immediately brightened. There was work to be done! The pain that had previously consumed him was instantly forgotten as he sprang up onto his feet. "I'm here to gather the dried fruits, as promised. These are Mr. Mason's preferred crops. You must sort them!" What on earth! Sort them? This must have been purposely designed as a challenging ta