Ellie had to smile, hearing Dawdi talk so. It was obvious he cared about Sol.

Sol nodded. “Considerin’ how dizzy I get when I stand up, I have no intention of goin’ anywhere just yet.” He paused a moment. “I hate to ask ya, but I’m thinkin’ I’ll need some fresh clothes.”

“I’m sure Dat’ll be glad to go up and get some at your house,” Ellie told him.

“So it’s settled, then,” Dawdi said. “You’ll stay put here till you’re able to get back on your feet, then we’ll take ya home to rest further.”

“And no need worryin’ ’bout missing work here,” Ellie said. “I’ll plan to spend more time in the orchard until you’re feelin’ better.”

Sol’s gaze lingered on her. Feeling a little shy again, she glanced away. Still, it felt pleasantly awkward.

Midmorning, Menno pulled into the lane riding in his father’s spring wagon, evidently having heard of Sol’s plight. Ellie was just returning from the orchard to wash up at the well pump. She shook her hands in the air to dry them and headed over to greet Menno. “Hullo,” she said. “Didja come to see your cousin?”

“To check up on him, jah.”

“He’s over at Dawdi’s,” she said, pointing in that direction. She was glad he’d come. “He was really beat up . . . with stones, Sol said.”

Menno frowned. “Ain’t the first time somethin’ like this has happened.” He mentioned there’d recently been similar incidents in Quarryville, down where his uncle and aunt lived. “Sure wish it hadn’t happened to Sol, of all people.”

“I know. It’s hard to see him like this.”

“Deacon urged us fellas to walk in pairs or groups when we’re out on the road.”

“Wise idea.” She wondered what would have happened if rocks had been hurled at Evan prior to his leaving for basic training. Would he have fought back, maybe?

“I’m glad Sol’s not alone, with his folks away an’ all,” Menno said.

“Honestly, I don’t see how he would’ve made it otherwise.”

“Well, the Lord knew right where he needed to be for help, ain’t?” Menno smiled, then excused himself and walked toward the Dawdi Haus.

No hard feelings, Ellie thought, relieved.

When Ellie went to pick up the breakfast tray and serving dishes at Dawdi’s, she found he’d given in to a catnap right there in his sitting room chair. He’s sleep-deprived from his nighttime vigil with Sol. Bless his heart—and Dat’s, too.

“Denki for such a gut breakfast, Ellie,” Sol said, reclining on the sofa. “And thank your Mamm, too.”

“Eenichmol—anytime.” She felt silly saying it quite like that.

“Nice of Menno to stop by,” Sol said.

She nodded. “I’m sure everyone who’s heard of the attack is concerned ’bout ya.”