Together, they ate Mamma’s tasty baked oatmeal, topped with apple chunks and chopped walnuts. Britta poured cream over hers, the way she liked it, but said very little during the meal, keeping her head bowed over her bowl. Even a couple of casual questions from Mamma didn’t pull Britta out of her thoughts, although she answered them pleasantly enough. Her sister’s seeming distraction baffled Susie, who resisted the temptation to probe. She’s never been this quiet at mealtime. . . .

After breakfast, Mamma went with Britta to hang the clothes before school. Meanwhile, Susie stayed indoors to redd up the kitchen and make Britta’s sack lunch. Later, she sat down at the table and chose the embroidery floss for the names of Mattie’s uncle and aunt.

As she worked, she glanced occasionally out the window and wondered if Britta would tell Mamma what was troubling her, convinced there had to be something.

During dinner at noon, Mamma mentioned to Susie that Britta had made plans with Hazel to go to her Haus after school. “So she’ll be a little late comin’ home.”

Susie listened and waited for Mamma to say more about Britta’s unusual hush at breakfast.

“It’s gut for Britta to have a friend who goes out of her way to include her,” Mamma observed while dishing up the scalloped potatoes and cubed ham. “An answer to my prayers.”

“Everyone needs a friend like that,” Susie replied.

Mamma passed the casserole to her. “That’s for certain.” She nodded slowly. “Say, did ya notice how preoccupied our Britta was at breakfast?”

“Jah, I wondered if you might know something.”

Mamma shook her head. “I ’spect she’ll tell one of us, sooner or later.”

Susie hoped so as she enjoyed the first bite of Mamma’s tasty meal, glad she’d made extra for leftovers.

“I have no doubt Britta confides in you at times.”

Susie smiled. “Mostly, jah.”

“That’s a blessing to me.” Mamma reminded her that she and her own younger sister, Emmalyn Riehl, had always been exceptionally close.

“Aendi Emmalyn was wunnerbaar to give so much of her time after Eli died, remember? Stoppin’ by with food, cleanin’ the kitchen, and you name it.”

“She was a real comfort . . . like so many others.” Mamma nodded. “I felt so overwhelmed . . . don’t know how I woulda gotten through without her. Emmalyn even spent several nights with us, starting with that very first night.”

Susie hadn’t forgotten that visit. “She sat beside me on the settee and held my hand. Told me it was all right to cry.”

“And it surely was,” Mamma said, nodding. “Emmalyn must’ve sensed you were tryin’ to be brave for me, young though you were. Such a caring sister, she is.”