Extend the Story - Add a Room

You straighten your shirt and stride out to follow the sound of the chopping wood. It's not a far walk, as most of the small houses in this area keep relatively small yards directly adjacent to them.

Behind the house, sure enough, Jacques hoists an axe far over his head before bringing it back down on the firewood he's chopping.

He's far larger than you, broad-shouldered and fair-haired; in contrast to the darker hair and slender build you and your brother share. In a note of contention between you that you've finally outgrow caring, he is already capable of growing a full beard, and has for a few years. It's only been in the last year that you've accepted that he has physically matured faster than you, and that you will likely always be a smaller man than him.

You clear your throat to get his attention. He doesn't hear you, and you chuckle softly. So like Jacques, to become so absorbed in work as to not look up. Of course, the sound of the axe striking wood does not help to make your voice come clearer to him.

It is only a few moments before he looks up, getting ready to drag another piece of wood to his chopping block. When he sees you, he grins broadly.
"Severin! Glad you've come to see me!" He drops the axe and ambles over to you amiably.
"Jacques. It is good to see you again."

Tell him of your plans in Montreal.