He shook his head. “I’m taking Eloise away for a few days. The sea air always refreshes her. I thought you might like to go home to see your family while we’re away.”

“Thank you. I think I’ll do that.”

“Ans, I don’t know how to thank you for being such good medicine for Eloise —no, you’re much more than that. You’re her friend.”

“I like her very much, Professor. I hope this trip will be good for her.”

“Yes. So do I.”

Ans decided not to take the train home, needing time and space between her life in Leiden and the farm. It was a long bicycle ride, but she left early Sunday morning and arrived just as her family was returning from church. Her mother held her tightly and seemed reluctant to let go. Ans thought of Miriam and Eloise, who had both lost their mothers, as she embraced her own. Both women had also lost their homes, and Ans felt guilty for having wanted so badly to leave hers.

“My turn! My turn!” Maaike danced around Ans, pulling on her hands and begging to be picked up and carried, even though at six years old she was no longer a baby. Ans gave her and Wim the chocolates she had brought.

“But you have to wait until after dinner to eat them,” she warned. Maaike gave an impish grin and slipped a piece into her mouth when she thought no one was looking. “Spoiled girl!” Ans said with a laugh. She gave her sister a playful swat before following their mother into the kitchen. “Need help, Mama?”

“No, I think everything’s ready.”

Mama always set the table the night before and peeled the potatoes and carrots. They had gone into the oven with the smoked pork before church and smelled heavenly now. When Opa arrived, they all sat down for Sunday dinner.

Ans looked at her beloved family gathered around the table, and it was as if she’d never left home. Nothing had changed here on the farm, which was comforting in a way. But Ans knew she had changed. She’d done so many new things, had made new friends, had even learned to dance. And she had a boyfriend whose kisses awakened all sorts of new possibilities.

“Is the job working out well?” Opa asked as platters of meat and mashed potatoes and carrots made their way around the table.

“I like Professor Huizenga and his wife a lot,” she replied. “I’m supposed to be Eloise’s companion, but it’s almost the other way around. She takes me to so many interesting places like concert halls and art museums. I’m getting a wonderful education from her.” She didn’t mention Eloise’s frailty. It seemed wrong to expose her weakness. She wondered how much Opa knew about the situation.

“I’m glad,” he said. “And that you like it there.”