“Ach, such a challenge,” Sarah said. “I suppose she won’t agree to that?”

“Nee . . . not Mamma.” Sighing, Susie added, “Even going for a consultation might be helpful—if I could get her to agree.” She went on to ask if Allen might call and leave a voice message for Mamma specifically. “Just keep me out of it, okay?”

Sarah chuckled into the phone. “Your mother is one to do things her way, but I understand not wanting to spend the money to see a doctor. Our Maggie’s had to go quite a number of times lately, so I do know that.”

“Jah, but it could turn into an emergency . . . ’specially at night, and then what would we do?” Susie hoped she didn’t sound pushy, knowing that, like Mamma, Allen and Sarah usually preferred alternative healing methods. “She’s just so stubborn.”

“That determination might be why she’s made it through this long, what with your Dat gone and all,” said Sarah, then added, “But I’ll be sure to mention your concerns to Allen.”

“Thank you, Sarah.”

“How’s Britta?” Sarah asked.

“Oh, she’s a hard worker—enjoys helpin’ in the shop and sewing and cleaning house. She also likes helping Polly with the children, though I think she missed being able to attend school this year. She does see her friend Hazel and other girls their age through their small buddy group.”

“Britta’s real perty. It won’t be long before the fellas take notice, if they haven’t already.”

“That she is.”

“You and your Mamma have your work cut out for ya when she’s old enough to court,” Sarah replied, a smile in her voice. “Well, tell Britta to give us a call sometime. We enjoy talking to her, too.”

Susie agreed to let her know, then asked, “How’re my nephews and nieces?”

Sarah was quick to tell her about the children, particularly their eldest, Al Junior. “He’s practically jumpin’ up and down about a job offer to build toolsheds with an Amishman from our church district here.”

“Sounds like a gut fit for Al.”

“He’s mighty happy to make money from someone besides his father,” Sarah said, laughing a little.

Susie listened as Sarah continued down the line of the younger children—Jake, Dora, Tilly, Yonnie, and, of course, little Maggie.

When they’d hung up, Susie felt a wave of guilt for going behind Mamma’s back with this call. But with her well-being on the line, what choice did she have?

Then she remembered that Sarah had said she was getting ready to phone them anyway. You did the right thing, contacting them. With all of her heart, Susie hoped Allen would soon phone and leave a message for Mamma like Sarah had mentioned.