Sophie's Heart

by Lori Wick

  "Yeah, Tuesday," Craig said, but Rita said no.

  "What do you want, Rita?"

  "I want to have our own turkey dinner on Christmas Eve, then open gifts that night, just the four of us. Then I want to sleep in on Christmas morning, get up, and go to Chicago. We could be there by 1:00 or 2:00 and still have dinner with Uncle David and Aunt Janet. Then we could spend a few days. I mean, we all have that whole week off from school."

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  Rita had not been in on the original plan, but as usual she had the best ideas.

  "All right, but I do think we should at least ask Sophie to eat with us."

  "Ah, Dad," Craig complained, but Alec was adamant.

  "I mean it, Craig. I'm going to ask her. She doesn't have to stay long, but it wouldn't hurt to at least invite her to share our meal."

  "All right," he said with a long sigh. He really wasn't that against it. Sophie had been very nice to him all along, and he knew it was the least he could do. But his first choice was that they would be alone.

  After the holiday plans were settled, the kids lost interest in the job at hand. Alec finished on his own, but he really didn't mind. He needed to be alone when he pulled out the last hanger in the closet and then swiftly replaced it. Nothing in the world would make him part with her wedding dress.

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  THE DOORBELL RANG THE NEXT DAY just before 2:30, and Sophie laughed in delight to see Gladys on the front step.

  "Come in," Sophie cried, and the women embraced as soon as Sophie shut the door.

  "How is your daughter?"

  "Doing great. The doctor has given her leave to get out of bed, and even though she has to rest in the afternoons with her feet up, she's out of the woods."

  Sophie frowned. "She is allergic to trees, maybe?"

  Gladys blinked and then chuckled softly. "No. 'Out of the woods' means she's out of danger. In this instance, out of danger of losing her baby to a miscarriage."

  "Oh, yes. I am see now. Come, Gladys, come and sit in kitchen."

  "I'd love a cup of coffee if you have it. I got in late last night, and all I've done today was try and catch up on my mail."

  "Ijust got letter from my grandmother," Sophie remembered and told her. "She is doing well, but says she is very tired."

  "What does she say about the political situation?"

  Sophie looked a little confused and then said, "I think is pretty much the same."

  Something was wrong here. Gladys could feel it.

  "Sophie," she asked her slowly, "haven't you been reading the papers or watching the news?"

  "No, and I miss it, but Rileys do not get local paper here and I never watch TV."

  Gladys stood. "Do the Rileys have cable?"

  Sophie only shrugged and followed Gladys when she marched into the family room. A moment later she put the TV on and found the news. World coverage came on the heels of a sports report, and Sophie listened in wonder to the changes going on all over Europe. Her grandmother had not written of such things, but the maps clearly showed that Czechoslovakia was included. Sophie wondered if her grandmother had been waiting to hear her

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  own response, and here she hadn't even known of the dramatic changes. Sophie had heard rumors from time to time in the last weeks, but dismissed them as such.

  Now the screen changed. Sophie watched in amazement. Footage of the Berlin Wall coming down flashed at her from thousands of miles away. Sophie's emotions overcame her. Tears poured down her face as she heard Germans talking and understood every word.

  "Victory!" they shouted.

  "We have freedom!"

  "The rule is over!"

  "Oh, Gladys," Sophie cried. "I am so out of touch. This house has become my world. I realize now that this was talked about at Sunday school, but I missed the understanding. If only I had waited, my babushka could have come with me."

  Sophie was openly crying now, and Gladys moved to put an arm around her.

  "It's all right, Sophie. You came when God wanted you to, and He never makes a mistake. Maybe He'll open a door now. Maybe He'll provide a way. Your coming was not a mistake."

  "I am try to believe this, Gladys, but I am so confused right now and feeling so stupid for not knowing. I could have searched out paper. I could have bought my own, but I am try to save all my money. I miss the news, and now I have missed the world."

  She was crying again, and Gladys waited patiently as she sat with her. It took some time, but Sophie finally calmed. Her face looked ravaged with pain and grief. Gladys prayed, first in her heart and then out loud while she held Sophie's hand. When she was done, Sophie was much calmer, and Gladys knew it was time for a change in the subject.

  "I came by to ask you to join my family and me for Thanksgiving dinner."

  "Oh," Sophie sniffed a little and used her handkerchief. "I saw this on calendar, but then forgot about it."

  "Well, we have a wonderful time at our house, and I want you to come. We're eating at noon."

  "I would like this, but I do not know, Gladys. I might have to work."

  "I'm sure not, Sophie. Hasn't Mr. Riley discussed it with you?"

  "No."

  "Well, the invitation is open, and if I don't hear otherwise, I'll look for you."

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  "What should I bring?"

  Gladys wanted to sayyourself,but knew that in order for Sophie to feel a part of things, she needed to contribute to the meal. "How about a salad? Something you really like."

  "All right. If the plan is difference, I will come and tell you."

  "Or you can call."

  "Oh, yes."

  Gladys was already writing her number down and pressing it into Sophie's hand.

  "Are you going to be all right now?"

  "I think so. I am going to watch news little more and then it will help to fix supper and make me distract."

  "All right. The reports are coming on again, so I'll just see myself out."

  "Thank you, Gladys."

  "It's my pleasure, dear, and I look forward to seeing you Thursday."

  They embraced again before Sophie sat right back down and watched more of the news. In fact, when the kids came in just ten minutes later she was still in that spot. It was the first time she hadn't been there to greet them in the middle of the kitchen, and they all stood in the doorway of the family room and stared at her in surprise. Sophie didn't even notice them until they took seats in the room with her.

  "Hello," she said softly. Even though she never looked, at them, everyone could see she'd been crying.

  "Is something wrong, Sophie?" Rita asked.

  "I am just learn of the wall," she said in explanation, and the kids all nodded. It had been discussed many times at school in the last few days.

  A man's face came on the camera now, and he spoke some foreign words before the announcer's voice overrode him.

  "What did he say, Rita?" Tory wished to know, but the older girl did not acknowledge the question.

  Sophie could have told her word for word, but she wasn't in the mood to explain how she would know such a thing. It was not as bad as the way she was treated at Tony's in Chicago, but Sophie was well aware that the Rileys, to a certain extent, thought her somewhat dull-witted. Right now, however, what others thought of her was the least of Sophie's hurts. All her mind could see was Kasmira's dear face.

  Help me to make it, Lord. I hurt so much inside. I can't stand the thought that I left her behind or that I may never see her

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  again. She could come now, but I know it won't be easy, and the airfare will be so much. Help me, please help me.

  It was in the middle of this anguished prayer that Sophie realized Tory was speaking to her.

  "Yes, Tory, what is it?"

  "Can we have something to eat?"

  Sophie finally looked at their faces.What must I look like to receive these looks of pity?Even Craig was watching her closely.

  "Sophie," Rita cut in before she co
uld answer Tory, "you know lots of people over there, don't you?"

  "Yes, Rita, I do."

  "Are you happy for them or upset?"

  "I am happy, Rita, but I left my babushka behind and I could have brought her with me."

  "Your grandmother?" Rita guessed.

  Sophie could only nod. "I will fix snack now." With that she rose and went to the kitchen, but the kids did not follow right away. They watched a few more minutes of the news before going quietly into the kitchen.

  Rita was in her father's bedroom late that night in order to talk to him about the scene in the family room that afternoon. She described in detail what she had seen, and related the different things Sophie had said as the afternoon and evening progressed. Rita was most touched by the fact that she seemed totally cut off from the world she had known.

  Sophie was swiftly becoming their port in the storm, and the episode after school was very upsetting since they had never seen her like that. It hadn't helped that Alec had missed supper with his children. He told Rita he was going to miss Tuesday night as well. With plans to be gone over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, it couldn't be helped.

  And indeed, he was even later on Tuesday than he had anticipated. This was why at 9:00 that night he was standing outside of Sophie's apartment door, a newspaper under his arm. He knocked softly and waited. Sophie was clearly surprised to see him, and he would have been blind not to notice she'd been crying.

  "Mr. Riley, is okay? Is everything okay?"

  "Yes, Sophie, everything is fine. Ijust need to speak to you for a moment."

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  Sophie backed up, and Alec stepped in but stayed close to the door. It was cold outside, so he shut it, but he did not plan to stay or get comfortable.

  "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you before now, but the kids and I are leaving right after school tomorrow. We always spend Thanksgiving with Jim and Peg in Superior."

  "Oh, this is all right, Mr. Riley. You did not need to say to me before."

  "Well, I do have a favor to ask. Could you have some type of lunch ready for us to take on the road? We have about six hours of driving to do, and if we don't have to stop we'll get there that much sooner."

  "Of course, Mr. Riley. I am happy for this. What is the time again?"

  "Oh, 3:30 to 4:00. Somewhere in there."

  "All right."

  "I know that Thanksgiving is an American holiday, but do you have plans, Sophie?"

  "I do, Mr. Riley. Thank you that you ask."

  "Good, good. Well, I'll leave you alone now. Oh!" He had almost forgotten. "I eat breakfast out every morning before I go to work and that's where I read my paper. I never bring it home, since the kids don't look at it, but I'd be happy to bring it here if you're interested."

  Sophie couldn't speak. Tears had pooled in her eyes so swiftly that she couldn't even move. Alec simply held out the paper and smiled gently at her before saying, "Good night, Sophie."

  Sophie managed a nod, and then he was gone. The door had barely closed before she sank to the floor on the spot and sobbed all over the paper in her hands.

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  SOPHIE READ NEARLY EVERY WORD of the newspaper Mr. Riley brought her on Tuesday night, and she gobbled up the Wednesday edition that he left as well. On Thursday morning she walked to a convenience store a few miles away and bought the morning issue. It was a cold trip, but worth every frozen part of her body. The paper had many sales ads with it, but Sophie paid them little heed. Not until she'd read all she could about the world situation did she sit down to compose a letter to her grandmother. It started out with a straight-to-the point statement that set the tone for the entire letter.

  You have not made mention of your political situation at all, so I can only assume that something is wrong. I would be on the phone to you this instant to learn the truth, even if it woke you up, but I cannot make such a call from a phone box. I must know how you are. I have cut myself off, my babushka, and I have no one to blame but myself, but now I must have answers.

  It shames me to admit to you that I have only just learned of the world's state of affairs. I think I believed that if I didn't think about home, I wouldn't miss it so much. I have been a fool. I can only ask your forgiveness, for my lack of interest has certainly been translated as a lack of caring. Nothing could be further from the truth. Again, I beg your forgiveness.

  However, it is you who will need my forgiveness if I do not hear from you posthaste. I know something is wrong. I can feel it. You must write or call. I am even so desperate that I'm including the Rileys' phone number. I must hear from you soon. Please, babushka, don't torture me any longer.

  Sophie had to close then because she was too spent to go on. She was glad she didn't have to be at Gladys' for over two hours

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  since she was suddenly so tired that she could not keep her eyes open. Going from the kitchen table to the big chair in her living room, Sophie sat down. She forced herself not to pick up a book and was asleep within five minutes.

  ***

  "This salad is wonderful, Sophie."

  "Thank you," she said softly and smiled across the table at Gladys' daughter-in-law, Candy. She was married to Carl, and he was the son who had followed in his father's footsteps and become an ophthalmologist. Sophie learned that he practiced right here in Middleton with his father's old partner and in his father's old office.

  It was slowly coming together for Sophie. She had been in the Nickelberry home for over an hour, and she was still trying to sort out the names of the 13 people she had met that day. Outside of Carl and Candy were their four children: Tyler, Brock, Erica, and Andrew-all very grown up and in college or high school. Gladys' neighbor, Mrs. March, was also present and with her were two of her grandchildren, Cameron and Crystal.

  Gladys' youngest child, Barb, was here with her husband, John, and their two children, but Sophie had already forgotten their names. Gladys' other three children, Mandy, Jared, and Mary, were all having Thanksgiving in their own homes or with their in-laws. Gladys told Sophie that they would all be in Middleton for Christmas and maybe she could meet them then. Sophie only hoped she would have people sorted out by then.

  "Where did you live in Czechoslovakia, Sophie?" Barb's husband, John, now asked from across the table.

  "Prague," Sophie told him and was surprised when he said he'd been there.

  "Was this some time past?"

  "Yes, I'm afraid it was, but I was very impressed. It's a beautiful city. I had heard that it was the city of 100 spires, but I didn't believe that until I saw it."

  "Yes," Sophie agreed. "So many churches. They are beautiful on the outside with not life inside." The faces around her looked interested, so Sophie continued. "Is odd in some ways, since our government does not encourage religious worship."

  "Then how did you come to Christ, Sophie?" This question came from Carl, who sat at the head of the table.

  "Christianity started in my family with my great-grandmother. She was," Sophie hesitated over the word in her mind

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  since there were children at the table, and finally said, "attacked. Was by a soldier. When she learns that baby is to come, she wants to end her life.

  "We have many beaches in Czechoslovakia, so she goes to beach with plan to go in the water but not come out, but is winter, and she slips on ice. A couple, older people, find her with hurt ankle and take her home. They take care of her for one week, and in that time they tell her she can have hope in God's Son. By the time she goes home, she is new believer. She tells her family what has happened about the baby, and they take care of her, but she still sees the older couple every week for prayer and Bible study.

  "My great-grandmother never married nor had other children, but she raised my grandfather, Vasek Kopecky, in God's Word. When Vasek takes a wife she is believer, too, and they have Ekaterina, my mother. My mother married Vladamir Velikonja, and they have one daughter, Sophia. They tell Sophie how to have hope in God's Son, too."<
br />
  She had an enchanting way of telling her story, and everyone had stopped eating in order to listen.

  "Wow," Barb finally breathed, and everyone began to talk at once. They thanked Sophie for sharing and asked her a few more questions. Sophie was silently surprised at all the interest, but she was pleased nonetheless.

  When the meal was over, everyone moved off in pursuit of different activities around the house. Some fell asleep in chairs in front of the football game, and others sought out beds in the basement or upstairs. Sophie worked with Gladys and Barb on a huge jigsaw puzzle in the dining room. It was relaxing and fun, and Sophie felt lovingly drawn into this warm family. Late in the afternoon she went for a walk with Gladys and her granddaughter, Erica. Just listening to their close conversation gave Sophie a sense of peace and fulfillment.

  Leftovers were brought out that evening for yet another meal, and soon after that the family began to disband. Sophie was dropped off at her apartment by Carl and his family. When he saw how dark it was, Carl walked Sophie to the bottom of the stairs and waited until she had her lights on before leaving. The apartment was a bit cold and lonely after the warmth and caring of Gladys' home, but Sophie was still content. She found herself missing the Rileys already and prayed for them as she settled in with a book and then went to bed.

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  As she finally dropped off to sleep, she thanked God for the day to come since Gladys had asked her to lunch.

  ***

  "I'm dying to ask you something, Sophie, but I'm so afraid of hurting your feelings."

  "I will not be hurt, Gladys. You must believe me."

  "Well, maybe not hurt, but you might think I'm criticizing what you wear. You must believe me, I'm not."

  Sophie looked down at her skirt and blouse and then to her host. She shrugged and waited. Gladys took a deep breath and said very gently, "I don't know if you have hand-me-downs in Czechoslovakia, but in America it's not at all unusual to pass used clothing to others."

  Sophie didn't respond to this, so Gladys went on.

  "I'm in a mad rush right now to get my house in order. I'm sure it has to do with being away for all those weeks. Now with Christmas coming, I'm going through everything. I haven't attacked my clothes closet in years and, as I was boxing things up, I wondered if you might be interested in any of my old clothes."