Britta sighed. “I could, but I can’t bear to bring it up. She’s the only mother I know, and I wouldn’t wanna hurt her.”

“Well, can ya just let it be, then?”

Britta wished now she hadn’t said anything. Even so, the questions she’d shooed away for several years now pestered her like so many mosquito bites. And the older she got, the stronger they itched.

How will I ever get any answers?

CHAPTER
12

Later that afternoon, while still in the shop, Susie glanced out the window and saw Britta arriving home from school. Instead of heading to the stable to see her cats as she often did, Britta moseyed toward the house, her shoulders slumped. Not her usual self, thought Susie, concerned.

A few minutes later, Aendi Emmalyn pulled up in her gray family buggy and came into the shop. “I’m holdin’ my breath for some blueberry jam,” she said with a smile. “Hope yous haven’t sold out.”

Susie was glad to see her again. “How many pints would ya want?”

“Just three for now.” Emmalyn opened her shoulder purse and counted out the money.

“It’s a gut thing we put up more than usual last year,” Susie said cheerfully as she tucked away the money.

“For certain!” Emmalyn glanced toward the house. “How’s your Mamma feelin’ today?”

“Not too lebhaft.”

Emmalyn sighed. “I daresay she hasn’t been lively for some time.”

“Jah, sad to say.”

“But then, considering what day it is, who can blame her?”

Susie nodded, then reached under the counter for a small box. “Honestly, she hasn’t seemed so under the weather on this day other years. If you’d like to go to the house and visit, though, I know she’d be happy to see ya.”

“Well, only if she’s not resting.” Emmalyn zipped her purse shut.

“I’m fairly sure she’s up . . . likes to talk with Britta after school.”

“Oh, then I’ll stop by an’ visit another time. Wouldn’t want to interrupt.”

Now Susie wished she’d kept mum about Mamma typically spending time with Britta, but she couldn’t backtrack. Carefully, she placed the pint jars in the box and handed it to her aunt. “I’ll let Mamma know you were here.”

“You do that.” Emmalyn paused, holding the box just so. “Say, with the way Britta’s growin’, you might want to know the fabric store has green dress fabric for half price this weekend.”

“Denki.” Susie nodded and watched her aunt open the door to head toward her carriage, where she placed the box inside. Then, to Susie’s surprise, Mamma stepped out onto the back porch and waved Emmalyn over. Susie felt pleased as she watched the two sisters warmly greet each other.