Susie walked up the steps and offered her arm, but Mamma stood there waiting for Ella Mae to step outside, too.

“It’s delightful to see ya, dearie,” Ella Mae said to Susie as she came out, a twinkle in her eyes.

Susie smiled, glad to see her. “I hope you and Mamma had a pleasant chat.”

“Oh, we did.” Ella Mae turned to grin at Mamma. “We certainly did.”

“Jah,” Mamma said. “I’ve told Ella Mae about Allen’s invitation, and I’m thinkin’ it’d be wise to stay put here for the summer.”

Susie glanced at Ella Mae, who must have had something to do with this decision.

“I’ll go to Missouri when I’m stronger,” Mamma continued, and Ella Mae’s head bobbed.

“September’s actually a better time to travel.” Ella Mae’s small voice sounded encouraging and sweet.

Feeling torn about this news, Susie said, “Well, Britta will be glad if you’re here for her fifteenth birthday.” At that, she noticed the two women exchange quick looks, and it made her wonder. Offering her arm again to Mamma, this time they walked down the few stairs together, Mamma leaning hard on her.

“Denki for the visit, Ella Mae,” Susie called over her shoulder.

“Take plenty of your herbal syrup, Aquilla,” said Ella Mae. “And let your girls help ya however they can.”

Will that be enough to get Mamma through the summer? Susie worried.

The heat and humidity of early July made being outdoors plain miserable for Britta. Even so, she had been looking forward to attending a small gathering over at Hazel’s neighbors’ farm, home to the Lantz family and newly widowed Frona Glick. She was excited that Hazel and Cousin Marnie would be there, as well.

Susie, however, had quit attending any gatherings, including the Singings, when Mamma had fallen so ill last winter.

As Susie drove her over in the buggy that Monday evening, Britta remarked, “I wish you could come, too, Susie. I feel strange bein’ the one to represent our family when I’m the youngest.”

“Oh, I don’t mind stayin’ with Mamma. Besides, you’re as shy as a fawn, so it’ll be nice for ya to do something without your big sister hovering, ’specially so near your birthday.”

“I’ve never felt that way.” Britta paused and looked at her with compassion. “I’ve heard Mamma and Polly encouraging you to date here lately, but how are ya supposed to make that happen if ya don’t go to Singings and whatnot?”

“Well, no sense worrying ’bout me. You just have a nice time bringing cheer to Frona tonight,” Susie replied. “Do ya have someone to bring ya home?”

“Oh, I’ll find someone,” Britta said, knowing from experience that Susie wouldn’t leave Mamma alone. She truly hoped Mamma wouldn’t be sickly from now on. Or worse, succumb to her frail condition.