In that moment, Ellie knew how Dat must have felt telling her and Mamm the news after the army men left the house. “I thought you should know why Evan hasn’t been writing letters.”

Cheryl blanched white.

“It’s not as bad as that, thank the Good Lord,” Ellie said quickly. “But he is missing in action, so we still believe he may be found. We really don’t know anything more.”

“MIA?” Cheryl’s jaw dropped. “That’s exactly what they said about Jack!” She put her hand over her mouth as a wave of emotion appeared to overtake her.

Jack was listed as MIA, too? Ellie hadn’t known that, and she wasn’t sure what to say now. “It’s hard . . . not knowin’ what’s happened to Evan. Ever so hard.”

Cheryl’s face was all scrunched up, like she was trying not to cry. “I feel sick. I can’t bear to go through this again.”

Ellie felt horrible. “I’m awful sorry to have to give ya such bad news.”

“It’s not your fault.” Tears filled Cheryl’s eyes. “But oh,” she moaned, “it’s happening all over again.”

“We’re prayin’ Evan will be found,” Ellie said. “Can’t do any more than that.”

Cheryl shook her head, then reached over and touched the back of Ellie’s hand. “I’m the one who’s sorry,” she said softly. “You must be terribly worried about your brother.” She paused. “I had no right to . . .”

“We all care for him.”

“You’re right. We do.” Cheryl sighed. “Ugh, I hate this.”

“It’s quite a jolt, I know.”

Cheryl offered her some coffee or tea, but Ellie simply wanted to head home. This visit had thrown her off-balance, and now, having heard Jack had been listed as missing in action, too, she felt more concerned for Evan than ever.

“I would be happy to drive you home,” Cheryl said. “It’s so cold today.”

“Denki, but the horse and cart are waitin’ for me, and it’s not far.” Ellie rose to leave.

“Thanks for coming over. I appreciate it.” Cheryl went with her to the door, but Ellie noticed she didn’t say anything about praying for Evan’s safety. Given the circumstances, she didn’t understand that.

For all the Decembers Ellie remembered, the days prior to Christmas seemed to move along quickly. Not this December. The hours slowed to a crawl, and every afternoon she bundled up and ran down to the mailbox, hoping for word from Evan or the military—anything to say he’d been found safe and sound.

As often as she prayed, Ellie had begun to wonder what would happen if Evan wasn’t found. What if he were a prisoner of war? Or worse. She was especially haunted by Cheryl’s admission that Jack, too, had initially been declared MIA. But by the time the army found Jack, it was too late to save him.