The two women made their way back to the Womack house and breathed a heavy sigh once they were safely inside.

“That wind is picking up again.” Gloriana pulled the basket out from under her shawl and set it by the stove.

“Mr. Griggs stopped by and said there’s a prayer meeting starting at seven,” JT announced. Mr. Griggs was their neighbor to the north. Usually, when the pastor called for prayer like this, he would notify a dozen of the church men, and they would spread the word.

Gloriana took off her wet shawl and hung it by the door. “I thought they might call for one.” She looked at Sally. “When the weather is bad and a lot of the men are still out on the lake, we usually gather to pray for their safe return. You can stay here if you like, since the walk will be difficult in the wind.”

“No,” Sally replied, shaking her head. “I want to come too.”

“Well, then, let’s eat supper quickly, and then we can go to the church.”

“I don’t think I could eat a bite.”

“You’re far too thin as it is,” Gloriana said, then looked at her brother. “I know you’re hungry. You’re always hungry.”

JT nodded. “And you made apple tarts. I saw them cooling.”

Gloriana smiled. “Go get washed up, and we’ll eat. I have hot pea soup with big chunks of ham. Oh, and fresh bread.” It was one of JT’s favorite meals. Their father’s too.

The three of them sat down to the meal, and Gloriana said grace. She added a prayer for their loved ones and all the other men who were on the water. When she concluded and looked up, she saw Sally wipe her eyes.

“We have to keep up our strength. This storm could last for days. Our men are smart. My father has been working Lake Superior most of his life. He knows when to take cover.” Gloriana didn’t bring up the fact that storms sometimes snuck up to betray even the most seasoned fishermen. “Now, eat up.” She ladled soup into each bowl, then passed the plate of bread.

After supper, they donned their warm clothes and made their way to church. It was nearly a half-mile walk, which under normal circumstances wasn’t at all difficult, but with Sally and the storm, it seemed to take much longer. Gloriana kept a firm hold on one of Sally’s arms while JT held the other. They paced themselves to what Sally was able to do, and by the time they reached the church, everyone was wet and completely worn out.

“I’m so glad you came,” Mrs. Sedgwick said, embracing Gloriana. “We weren’t sure if you would make it.”

“Of course. It’s important to come together and pray when storms are upon us.”