As if on cue, Sally began to cry. Gloriana nodded. “Hold on. I’ll get her.”

She returned with baby Sally in hand. It was amazing how much she had grown in just two months. Gloriana cradled her in a blanket and showed her off for the pastor to see.

“She’s gotten big,” he said.

“Well, once we figured out that she preferred goat’s milk, it made all the difference.”

He took hold of the baby’s tiny hand. “Precious child. Just precious. You’ve done some good work in taking care of her, Gloriana. You have fulfilled the Bible’s command about taking care of widows and orphans.”

“It’s been my pleasure. I’m sure when summer comes and Luke takes her back to Philadelphia, I may question my choice to help, but for now she gets me through the days.”

“Did Luke say he intends to return to Philadelphia? I’d heard nothing of it.”

“I just presume, since that’s where his home is, that he will probably want to. But no. He’s not said anything about it.” She jostled the baby as she began to fuss again. “Sally has been such a blessing to me and JT both. She helps us reflect on life rather than death.”

“It’s funny how God often does that. Sends us something to reclaim our focus in times of grief and pain.” He paused. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, Gloriana. I know you may be struggling with questions of why God allowed this to happen.”

“You mean why God has left us without hope for our future, without the love of our good father? You see, JT and I are orphans too. Of course I would help the fatherless. I am one of them.”

“But you mustn’t allow it to divide you from the heavenly Father,” Pastor Sedgwick replied. “I know it seems like He has been cruel to you—heartless—and perhaps you’re thinking that He no longer cares. But, Gloriana, He does.”

“He has a strange way of showing it.” She frowned. “I have a little brother who often cries long into the night for his loss. I try to comfort him, but my tears are just as plentiful. We have each other, at least, I tell myself, but it serves little purpose.”

Another interruption sounded at the door. Gloriana was relieved. She opened the door to find Luke holding a small sack. “Sweets for JT,” he said, raising them aloft. “If that’s all right with you.”

She smiled and took the bag. “As long as I get my share. Come on in. Pastor Sedgwick just stopped by.”

“And I’m heading off again,” the pastor said. “I was just making my rounds. Gloriana, are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you?”