“I can only imagine,” Sol said, opening the screen door for her.

Ellie stepped inside and yet again realized that both of these young men she loved had lost something in their stand—one for peace and the other for military service.

Recalling Evan’s fondness for it, Ellie prepared macaroni goulash for supper while Sol read the newspaper at the table. Evan had slipped away upstairs to his room, and after a time, Dawdi came over and asked to see him before heading upstairs. Ellie was glad their grandfather was eager to visit with Evan. He’ll need all the encouragement we as a family can give him, she thought as she browned the ground beef.

A while later, Dawdi came down the stairs and stood in the kitchen, sighing. “Ach, mighty hard to see Evan like that,” he said, his straw hat in his big hands.

Ellie nodded, turning away from the cookstove. “How’s he doin’ up there?”

“Seems fine. Already talking ’bout packin’ his uniform away. He looks like an Amish fella again—got his Plain clothes on.”

“I wondered if he might want to change.”

“He’s prob’ly put on a brave face for yous, but he was weepin’ when I went up there. Our boy’s depressed, that’s certain, and for gut reason.” Dawdi paused, grimacing. “He showed me what little’s left of his arm. It’s still healing, but he said he knows what to do to take care of it. He told me a warm towel will go a long way when he gets phantom pains.”

“I wish he’d said somethin’ earlier,” Ellie replied, wishing she’d thought to ask if he needed anything special.

“He’s havin’ to relearn how to do many things that used to be second nature.” Dawdi shuffled to the hallway leading to the side door. “I invited him to come stay with me next door whenever he’s ready, since I’ve got that spare bedroom an’ all. He an’ I, we’ll look after each other.”

Sol perked up. “That’s just like ya, Hezekiah.”

“You’re welcome to have supper with us tonight,” Ellie said, thinking it might be easier for all of them if Dawdi was around. He knew how to make the best of every situation.

“Your Mamm already invited me over there, but I appreciate it, Ellie-girl.” Dawdi put on his hat. “Well, yous have a nice evening together.” With that he headed for the hallway.

Ellie heard the door open and close, saying nary a word, wanting Sol to talk first if he was so inclined. My brother’s upstairs, she thought with a somewhat contented feeling, in spite of her concern.