Tears clouded Menno’s vision as he stared at his hands, clasped firmly in his lap. Life wasn’t fair. There were too many injustices in the world, and as far as he was concerned, the death of a loved one was the worst injustice of them all.
The nicker of a horse drew his attention toward the windows. Several horses were moving about in the corral, and he wished he could be outside, where it wasn’t so hot and stuffy.
The murmur of youthful voices pulled Menno’s thoughts in another direction. He blinked a couple of times when he saw Ike and Dennis on the bench in front of him, poking each other.
Menno leaned forward and was about to tap Dennis on the shoulder, when Kevin, who’d been leaning heavily against his arm, fell off the bench and landed on the floor with a thud.
Kevin let out a yelp and rubbed at the lump that had quickly formed on his forehead. “Wh–what happened, Papa? Did somebody push me off the bench?”
Menno, sensing that all eyes were on Kevin, put his fingers to his lips. “Shh…”
Kevin started to whimper, so Menno lifted the boy to his feet and led him out the door.
Once everyone had been served at the noon meal following church, Lydia spent the next hour getting acquainted with some of the women, while Josh played with a group of children his age. She was pleased that she’d been welcomed so warmly, and Bishop Yoder’s wife, Sarah, a pleasant woman with thinning gray hair, had been the friendliest of all.
After questioning Sarah about the Stutzman family, Lydia was disappointed to learn that they were in a different church district.
“However, they have come to a few of our services on the Sundays when their own district isn’t having church,” Sarah said as the two women seated themselves in wicker chairs that had been set up on the lawn. “I’m guessing they probably had other plans for today.”
“That’s too bad. I’ve met Levi, but I was looking forward to meeting the rest of his family.”
“If you go to the general store very often, I’m sure it won’t be long before you’ve met the whole family.” Sarah smiled. “Now tell me, how’s your mamm doing these days? I’ve been really busy lately and haven’t been by to see her for a few weeks.”
“Mom has her hands full taking care of my grossdaadi,” Lydia replied. “She doesn’t get out much.”
Deep wrinkles formed across Sarah’s forehead. “Several of the women in our community have offered to stay with Wilbur so Mae could attend some of our social functions, but she’s always declined. The only time we’ve been able to get her to accept our help is when she needs to go shopping or has an appointment.” She patted Lydia’s arm in a motherly fashion. “Of course, now that you’re here, I’m sure it’s taking some of the burden off Mae’s shoulders.”
Lydia gave no reply. There was no point in telling Sarah that, other than when they’d painted the kitchen, Mom hadn’t accepted much help from her. It was as if she took pleasure in doing everything herself. It made Lydia wonder if Mom liked to martyr herself so she’d have something to complain about.
I shouldn’t be thinking such thoughts, Lydia reprimanded herself. I’m sure Mom feels responsible for Grandpa and is only trying to do the right thing by taking care of him. Even so, that’s no reason for her not to accept my help or to be so harsh with Josh.
Pushing her thoughts aside, Lydia smiled at Sarah and said, “Do you think your husband or one of the other ministers would have a talk with my grossdaadi? He doesn’t cooperate with Mom very well, and I think he’s probably depressed because he can’t do much except sit in his wheelchair or lie in bed.”
“My husband, as well as our other ministers, has tried talking to Wilbur several times, but the poor man seems determined to feel sorry for himself.” Sarah sighed. “Of course, we’re all praying for him, too.”
“We appreciate that.” Lydia rose to her feet. “I think I’d better find Josh and head for home. It’s been nice visiting with you, Sarah.”
“Same here. Please tell your mamm I said hello and that I’ll try to get by to see her soon.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate the company.” Lydia said good-bye to some of the other women; then she headed across the yard in search of Josh. She caught sight of him playing with two of Menno’s boys on the other side of the barn.
She’d just started in that direction when a tall, middle-aged man with dark hair streaked with silver-gray stepped up to her.
“I understand you’re Mae Weaver’s daughter.”
Lydia nodded. “That’s right.”
He extended his hand, and the skin around his deeply set blue eyes crinkled. “I’m Rueben Miller.”
Lydia assumed from the full beard Rueben wore that he was married. “It’s nice to meet you.” She glanced at the group of women gathered on the lawn. “Which of the women here today is your wife?”
“My wife died three years ago.” A shadow crossed Rueben’s face. “Our five boys and their families moved to Oklahoma several years ago, so except for my friends, I’m pretty much alone here in Charm.”
“Have you considered moving to Oklahoma to be near your family?”
“I have considered it, and they’ve suggested it, but I’m hoping…” Rueben’s voice trailed off; then he spoke again. “How’s your mamm doing? I haven’t seen her in a while.”
“Mom’s been busy taking care of Grandpa. She doesn’t go many places these days.”
“Now that you’re living here, I thought maybe Mae would have more time to herself and might be able to get out more.”
“I’ve offered to help with Grandpa, but Mom always says no.”
“I see. Well, tell her I said hello and that I’ve missed seeing her at church.”
“I will.” Lydia glanced across the yard where Josh was playing. “I think I’d better get my son and head for home. It was nice meeting you, Rueben.”
“Same here.”
The wistful look on Rueben’s face made Lydia wonder if he might be interested in Mom. If so, did Mom know about it?
CHAPTER 10
I don’t wanna go home,” Josh said as Lydia led him toward their buggy. “I wanna play with Kevin.”
“You can play with him some other time. It’s getting late, and we need to get home.” She gently squeezed his fingers. “When we get there, you can play in the barn with the busslin.”
“Okay.”
Lydia lifted Josh into the buggy; then she went to the barn to get her horse. As she was leading him out, she nearly bumped into Menno, who was coming into the barn.
“It’s nice to see you,” he said. “Are you getting ready to head for home?”
“Jah.”
“Me, too.”
Lydia’s horse whinnied and flipped its head from side to side.
Menno patted the horse’s flanks. “Seems like she’s kind of anxious to go. Either that, or she’s got a fly up her nose.”
Lydia snickered. “If there’s a fly up Buttercup’s nose, then it must have been there awhile, because she was tossing her head like that on the way here this morning.”
“Something must be bothering her.” Menno made his way around the horse, checking for sores under the bridle, and then looking at each hoof. “Found the problem,” he announced.
“What is it?”
“She’s missin’ a shoe.”
Lydia groaned. “No wonder Buttercup kept pulling to the left and flipping her head. She’ll probably do it all the way home, too.”
“More than likely. Think I’d better follow your rig home. That way if the horse acts up, I’ll be there to help you,” Menno said.
“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“I’d feel better if I knew you’d made it home okay.”
Lydia finally nodded her consent. It would be comforting to know he was behind her and could offer help if she needed it.
“Would you like me to hitch your horse to your buggy?” he asked.
She smiled. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I ca
n manage.”
“All right then, I’ll get my rig and my boys and meet you out by the driveway.”
A short time later, Lydia and Josh were heading for home, with Menno and his boys following in their buggy. Buttercup flipped her head a few times, but Lydia managed to keep her under control. When they neared the driveway leading to Grandpa’s house, Lydia leaned out of the buggy and waved at Menno. She thought about inviting him and his boys to join them for a light supper, as a way of saying thanks for following her home, but decided against it. After she’d promised Mom that she wouldn’t invite anyone to the house for supper without asking, she knew better than to invite Menno and his boys in.
Mae had just taken a seat on the porch swing when she spotted a horse and buggy coming up the driveway. “So much for peace and quiet,” she mumbled. She’d checked on Dad a few minutes ago, and seeing that he was asleep, had come out here for some time alone. Now that Lydia and Josh were back, she’d have no time to herself, and there’d be no peace and quiet, either.
I shouldn’t be so selfish, she told herself. I invited Lydia and Josh to move here, so I should enjoy the time I get to spend with them.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Josh bounded onto the porch and flung the back door open.
Mae jumped up from her chair and grabbed the door before he could go inside. “I’d like you to stay out here awhile,” she said. “Your urgrossvadder’s taking a nap, and I don’t want you to wake him.”
Josh looked up at her and tipped his head. “Gotta change my clothes. Gonna play with the busslin.”
“That’s fine, but be very quiet when you go up the stairs.”
“Okay.” Josh disappeared into the house, and Mae returned to the porch swing.
A few minutes later, Lydia stepped onto the porch. “I got Buttercup put away, but we’ll need to call someone to shoe her tomorrow. She’s missing a shoe on her back left hoof and acted kind of spooky because of it.”
“Were you able to keep her under control?”
“Jah. Menno Troyer followed us home after church to be sure we made it okay.”
“That was nice. Did you invite him in?”
Lydia shook her head. “After what you said the other day, I was sure you wouldn’t appreciate the unexpected company.”
“Well, I did just get Dad settled down for a nap, so we would have had to sit out here to visit.”
The screen door opened and banged shut. “I’m goin’ to the barn!” Josh hollered, as he bounded down the stairs and into the yard.
Mae frowned. “I wish he wouldn’t slam the door like that. If he woke Dad, I’ll really be upset.” She jumped up, opened the door, and stuck her head inside. Not a sound. Thankfully, Dad must still be asleep.
“I’m sure Josh didn’t slam the door on purpose,” Lydia said when Mae returned to her seat. “He’s full of energy and isn’t used to being quiet all the time.”
Mae yawned. “I know, and I wish I had half his energy. Seems like I’m always so tired.”
“That’s because you’re always busy. It might help if you got out more and did something fun.”
“I can’t. Dad’s very fussy, and he can be difficult at times.”
“You’ve said that before, but I’m sure I could manage to care for him.”
Mae lowered her gaze. “You probably think I worry too much.”
“I think if you got out more and enjoyed yourself, you wouldn’t worry quite so much. I’m not the only one who thinks you need to get out more, either.”
“Oh?”
“I met Rueben Miller today, and he said the same thing. He also said he’s missed seeing you.”
“Is that so?”
Lydia touched Mae’s arm. “The way he said it made me wonder if he has a special interest in you.”
Mae’s cheeks grew hot, and she fanned her face with her hand. “There’s nothing going on between me and Rueben.”
“I didn’t say there was, but would you like there to be?”
“I—I don’t have time to think about such things.”
“But if you did?”
“Well, I don’t, so there’s no point in us talking about it.” Mae stood. “Think I’ll go inside and make some sandwiches. Are you hungry?”
Lydia nodded. “Josh probably is, too. I’ll go out to the barn and see what kind of sandwich he wants; then I’ll come inside and help you.”
“That’s fine.” As Mae stepped into the kitchen she thought about Rueben and what he’d said to Lydia. When she’d first moved home to take care of Dad, Rueben had come around a lot, but after she’d discouraged him, his visits became less frequent.
Mae wasn’t about to tell Lydia, but the truth was, she’d been attracted to Rueben when they were teenagers. But nothing had ever come of it, for she and Rueben had both found someone else. In fact, she’d forgotten about her attraction to him until she’d returned to Charm.
Mae figured there was no point in encouraging him when she wasn’t free to pursue a relationship while she was taking care of Dad. If the time ever came that she was free, she was sure Rueben would have found someone else by then. With the exception of Dad, most of the Amish widowers she’d known had remarried within the first year. Truth was, she was surprised Rueben hadn’t found himself another wife by now.
Levi and his family had just returned home after visiting friends at another church district. Since it was such a warm evening, Levi decided to sit on the porch awhile and enjoy the fresh air. It was relaxing to watch the stars come out and listen to the crickets sing their nightly chorus.
“Mind if I join you?” Mom asked a few minutes later.
“ ’Course not.”
She took a seat in the wicker chair beside him. “We haven’t had a chance to really talk since you had supper last night at Wilbur’s place. How’d things go with that?”
“It went okay. Lydia’s boy got real excited when he showed me a batch of kittens.”
“What’d you have to eat?”
“Potatoes, ham, peas, bread, and a tossed green salad.”
“Did Lydia cook the meal?”
He shrugged. “I think she made some of it.”
“Is she a good cook?”
He nodded. “Probably ate more than I should have, too.”
Mom chuckled. “Speaking of food, are you hungry now?”
“Not yet. Maybe later I’ll fix myself something to eat.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’d be happy to fix it for you.”
He shook his head. “I’m perfectly capable of making myself a sandwich.”
“Okay.” She leaned back in her chair and clasped her hands in her lap. “You know what I’ve been thinking?”
“What’s that?”
“I think it would be nice if you invited Lydia and her boy over here for supper sometime.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Why not? Are you ashamed for her to meet us?”
“ ’Course not. I just don’t want her getting any ideas that I might have a personal interest in her.”
“Do you?” Mom asked with a hopeful expression.
Levi shook his head forcefully.
“You don’t like her?”
“It’s not that. I don’t plan on getting serious about anyone, so there’s no point in my doing anything that might make her think I’m interested.”
Mom sighed. “Levi, Levi, it’s always the same old thing with you, isn’t it? You think that just because you were born to a family of little people you have to take responsibility for us.”
“It’s not just that.”
“What else is holding you back?”
Before Levi could respond, the back door swung open, and Betty rushed out. A wisp of dark hair had fallen into her face, and her brown eyes were full of fear. “Levi! Mom! Come quickly! Pop fell down the stairs, and I think he’s hurt bad!”
CHAPTER 11
Nona paced between the cluster of chairs in the hospital waiting room and the windo
w overlooking the parking lot. A multitude of shimmering stars dotted the night sky, but she barely took notice. It had been over an hour since Harold had been taken to the examining room, and they’d still had no word on his condition.
Please, Lord, don’t let it be anything serious, she prayed. When Harold had fallen down the stairs, he’d hit his head and passed out for a few minutes. When he came to, he’d acted disoriented. She feared he might have a concussion. She was also pretty sure from the swelling in his left arm that it was broken. She could only hope and pray that he had no serious injuries.
“I wish you’d sit down,” Levi said when she glanced in his direction. “You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor if you don’t stop pacing.”
Nona ambled across the room and hoisted herself into a chair that was too high for her short stature. She glanced at the area that had been set up for children and noticed a couple of smaller chairs, but they were too narrow for her wide frame. “Sure wish we’d hear something on your daed’s condition. I’m usually a patient person, but not knowing how he’s doing is making me naerfich.”
“I’m nervous, too,” Levi said, “but we have to be patient.”
Nona sighed. “The longer we wait, the more worried I become. What if he’s seriously hurt? What if…”
Just then, a middle-aged man entered the room and stepped up to Nona. “Mrs. Stutzman?”
She nodded.
“I’m Dr. Jorgenson.” He took a seat in the chair beside her. “Your husband’s suffered a pretty serious concussion, so we’ll need to keep him here a day or so for observation. His left arm and a couple of ribs are also broken, and he has several nasty bruises on the left side of his body.”
Nona’s shoulders sagged as she reached for Levi’s hand. While she felt terrible knowing that her husband must be in pain, she was relieved because his injuries could have been much worse.
“His broken bones and bruises will heal,” the doctor said. “Unless there are complications from the head injury, he should be fine.”
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