Heading into the house, she enjoyed the privacy of the kitchen, where three loaves of raisin bread were almost finished baking. She sat at the table to open the envelope and read, pulse beating hard as she worried how Mamma had taken her remarks.

Dear Britta,

Your letter was a welcome sight, for certain. Denki for taking time to write to me, dear daughter.

How are you and Susie managing there? I miss you both and think of you every day, trusting you are both well. Susie is a thoughtful big sister, and I know she’s good company for you. And you for her. I’m very grateful for that!

I’ve been surprised at how much better I feel here lately. I’m using a nebulizer with medication daily, and Sarah and her girls are doting on me just as you and Susie always have.

I’m not sure if Allen told you this, but my doctor has just recently urged me not to travel, so I’ll be here for some months yet. I’m not sure how long, but Allen and Sarah are in agreement that it will at least be for this winter.

“All winter,” she murmured, heart sinking. She rose to get some cold water and went to stand at the window looking out toward the stable. I feel awful sad, Lord. I need Thy peace. . . .

She glanced at the wall clock and saw that it was time to test the loaves for doneness and remove the loaf pans from the oven, which she did. Setting them on the cooling racks, she then went to the utility room to don her black work boots and coat. She would give the goats and the driving horses their feed and water, and hopefully, that would help her calm down. Although, the way she felt about Mamma being gone so long and no end in sight, she was afraid anger might take her over.

She pulled on one boot, then the other. As far as she’d observed, Mamma and Susie weren’t much given to anger. Am I like this because I’m not blood kin? she wondered. Or is it because I’m not baptized yet?