Blacksmith

Kyle walks into the blacksmith's workshop. In there was the familiar sound of metal on metal. Marty, the blacksmith was on shift that day and Kyle walked up to the front desk to greet him.

Kyle: Hello Marty. How's business?

Marty: Oh hello Kyle! Well you know, slow money at this time of year.

Kyle: I see. Well you're in luck today.

Kyle hands Marty a small red object that seems to have cracks along its sides.

Marty: Another damaged heart eh?

Kyle: Yeah i've been meaning to fix it for a while now but I wasn't in the neighbourhood if you know what i mean.

Marty: (Takes the object) Hmm...what's this, the fourth one you've had? You know you should get one of those titanium alloy ones. They're unbreakable.

Kyle: Yeah but they're as cold as ice. Not to mention heavy.

Marty: I agree with you on that. The people I know who had titanium hearts either died a lonely death or just became a body without a soul. But then again, this real heart has its downsides too.

Kyle looks at the tattered object in Marty's hand and takes it from him. He closely examines it. Each scar and crack both weathered and fresh made it look like a torn up old rag.

Kyle: Well, in this state, if it's still good, it probably can take in alot more. So why don't you tune it up a little? And I'll be back on my feet in no time.

Marty: Alright then. But running on this thing can take a toll on your body now and then. It's been through quite a bit. Not alot but quite a bit.

Kyle: Well, don't worry about me Marty. Remember that time when I got my first crack (points to a prominent scar) and you told me "Whatever doesn't kill you will only make you a stronger person" ?

Marty smiled at Kyle as he said those words. He took the heart from Kyle and placed it safely in the front pocket of his workshop apron.

Marty: You have learnt well from me. (Takes out a ghastly looking object that was similar to Kyle's. Only alot more damaged) This old thing has kept me going for years. Hasn't let up on me yet. You'll be fine. (Laughs)

Kyle: (smiles) Yeah. Hahah. Well thanks Marty. Have it done by Friday?

Marty: Sure thing Kyle. You take care now!

Kyle walked out of the workshop and into the shade of the oak trees outside. It was a long way back to the river where his raft was hitched. But a beautiful and pleasant walk it was.