Britta simply said, “Denki.”

Mamma must have heard the uncertainty in her voice, because she added, “You should also know that your birth mother was unable to bear the responsibility of takin’ care of a child.” Mamma sighed. “I’ve always planned to tell ya the story of your adoption once you’re eighteen.”

Five more years is a long wait, Britta thought miserably. Mamma’s few answers had made her feel even more unsettled about her past.

“Please try and be patient, Britta,” Mamma said. “And . . . remember how glad I am that you’re my girl.”

“Jah,” she murmured, rising to walk over to the screen door, where she waited in case Mamma had more to say. But when the rocking chair began to move forward and back again, Britta opened the door and stepped inside.

Susie felt tired after supper but didn’t let on when Britta asked her to go for a walk. “Okay,” she said, matching her sister’s brisk pace when they headed down the driveway. “You choose the direction.”

“How ’bout we walk toward the bishop’s farm on Hickory Lane? I like seein’ those towering willows out front.”

Susie nodded, wondering what was up. “Mamma says nothin’ looks more peaceful than a willow tree . . . like ours round the pond.”

Britta seemed to consider that. “I wanted to tell ya that Mamma shared some things with me this mornin’ ’bout my first mother. That is, after I asked her some questions.” Britta’s gait slowed considerably. “I can’t be sure, but it might’ve been awkward. She seemed uncomfortable.”

“Well, she was her cheery self today when Polly and family came to visit, though,” Susie said, recalling how Mamma had cooed at Nellie Ann and played with little Joey.

Britta’s cheeks puffed out as she forced air between her lips. “It was wunnerbaar to see Polly an’ family again, jah. I think it got Mamma’s mind off what I’d asked her earlier. ’Least I sure hope so.”

Now Susie had to know. “What exactly did ya ask?”

Britta told her the questions and Mamma’s answers, and then was quiet.

“Does it help to know?” asked Susie.

“Not really, ’tween you and me.”

“Well, I remember layin’ eyes on a sweet little baby who wore the softest yellow dress I’d ever seen—one with ruffles, too,” Susie said, her Kapp strings blowing in the breeze. “Mamma and I instantly fell in love with ya.”

Britta nodded. “You’ve told me that before, and it surprises me that you remember it so clearly.”