Her father sighed. “I know of farmers who were kicked in the head by a horse or mule and died instantly, and I know of others who were knocked unconscious and suffered a much worse concussion than even Sol’s and fully recovered. The thing is, it takes time and rest to heal a head injury.”

“And his hearing?”

“That too.”

“What ’bout his eyes blurring when he tries to read?”

“Could take a few weeks yet,” Dat said, folding his arms across his chest. “But God’s will is what we pray for in all situations.”

“Sol seems to want to get back to work,” she said, realizing she sounded impatient. And I want an excuse to spend time with him.

“Well, it’s much too soon. Health is fragile—it can be altered in a moment’s time.”

“So true.” She folded her hands and admitted quietly, “I’m fond of Sol.”

Dat turned to smile at her. “We all are.”

I’m glad, she thought.

28

Following a spaghetti-and-meatballs supper two days later, Mamm asked Ellie if she’d like to go with her to visit Nan Bontrager. “And to say hullo to Sol again,” Mamm said, a twinkle in her eyes. “I baked a rhubarb pie to take along and some snickerdoodles, too.”

“Jah, I’ll go.”

When they arrived on foot, Ellie saw Sol sitting on the front porch this time, his golden bangs shining beneath his straw hat. There’s more to watch on this side of the house, she thought.

Sol waved, then rose to walk down the steps, waiting near the driveway for them. “Hullo again!” he said, smiling. He was dressed nicely in a pale blue long-sleeved shirt and black broadfall trousers and suspenders.

“Hope ya like rhubarb pie,” Mamm said as they approached him.

“Ice cream’ll make it extra tasty,” Ellie said, observing him. Is he feeling better?

Mamm added, “It’s nice to see ya getting some sunshine.”

“It’s such a nice day, I couldn’t help it.” Sol smiled again.

Ellie noticed he’d turned his head to favor his good ear.

Mamm glanced down at her quilted carryall. “Well, I’ll be takin’ this round to the back door. Oh, and we’ve brought snickerdoodles, too.”

Sol chuckled. “I think you’re tryin’ to fatten me up.”

Mamm laughed and went away with the pie and cookies, leaving Ellie there with Sol.

“Might as well go an’ sit a while,” Sol said, motioning toward the front porch.

She went with him up the walkway.

He offered her the rocking chair. “We’ll watch the buggies go by.”

“My Dat says it’s relaxing,” she replied as she sat to Sol’s right, where he could hear her. “He waves at everyone as they pass by.” She glanced at him. “Feelin’ better since I last saw ya?”