“If he wants me to,” Ellie said, looking forward to seeing how Sol was feeling this morning. In fact, she’d been so concerned last night that she’d given little thought to the Singing and all she was missing there. Undoubtedly, Ruthann and her other cousins had wondered where she was, since she’d been in attendance at Preaching that morning. By now, though, the youth would’ve heard about Sol’s attack, since Dawdi had asked the neighbors for help. Such news would spread quickly.

When Ellie carried the large wood tray to the Dawdi Haus, Dawdi spotted her through the screen door and came to open it. “Yous hungry?” she asked, smiling at him as he led her into the small kitchen. There sat Sol, still rather pale but upright nonetheless, his right hand wrapped in a compression bandage. The gash on his head wasn’t as visible as yesterday, likely because Sol had showered. “Gut to see ya at the table,” she said, noticing he was wearing the white shirt she’d washed out yesterday, wrinkles and all.

“I’m still a little off-kilter,” he told her as she placed the tray on the table.

“He survived half the night without sleep,” Dawdi said. “Till the wee hours.”

“And I have both of yous to thank for lookin’ after me.” Sol smiled at Ellie. “And your Dat, too. He didn’t get much sleep last night, either.”

Dawdi sat down with his coffee mug, across from Sol, who’d been sipping cold water. “Sit next to me, Ellie-girl,” Dawdi said. He’d already set the table for three.

She took her seat, and Dawdi bowed his head for their table blessing. She added a silent thanks for Sol’s improvement overnight.

After the prayer, Dawdi reached to uncover the eggs and sausage, and Ellie removed the foil over the plate of toast. “Smells mighty gut,” Dawdi said.

Sol nodded. “I’m glad my smeller still works.” He chuckled a little. “And my appetite’s comin’ back.”

“How’s your left ear?” Ellie asked even before thinking.

“Sounds are still real muffled.”

Dawdi said, “Say, I took a look at your noggin while you were sleepin’ and put more antiseptic on it. But since you’ve showered, we better apply it again.”

“Mighty thankful.” Sol gingerly poured apple juice into his small glass with his left hand. He also dished up a medium-sized portion of scrambled eggs onto his plate, again with his good hand.

“I was happy to tend to ya,” Dawdi said.

“Is your headache better?” Ellie asked Sol.

“Some. Honestly, thought I was done for.”

“You should continue to rest here for several more days,” Dawdi told him. “Even with a minor concussion, physical and mental rest will help the healin’ process along. What with your folks gone and the neighbors pitchin’ in to help, no need to rush that.”