He was already on his second cup of coffee when Evan eventually wandered in and sat down in front of the plate of chocolate bars.

Not daring to bring up the lottery yet, Lyle asked, “How’d your deliveries go this afternoon, son?”

“Oh fine.” Evan reached for one of the bars. “By the way, the customer in Conestoga wants another bushel of Yellow Transparent apples next week. I let Jonah know so we can schedule another delivery.” Saying no more, Evan munched on the bar.

Elisabeth glanced at Lyle as though wanting him to proceed to the thing that was burning a hole in both their hearts.

Lyle nodded, inhaling deeply. Then, as calmly as he could, he said, “Did ya happen to go somewhere to listen to the lottery drawing today, son?”

Evan picked up the salt and pepper shakers, then moved them around as if in a daze before taking a second bar from the plate.

“Reckon it’s a mighty tense evening for many families,” Lyle said, trying again to engage him.

Evan said nothing as he rose to go to the gas-powered refrigerator, removed a bottle of milk, and returned to the table with a glass.

This was starting to feel like pulling teeth. “What is your lottery number, son?”

At that moment, Ellie came down the stairs. She halted when she saw them and stood at the end of the kitchen, frowning. “Am I interrupting?” she said at last.

Elisabeth waved her over. “Kumme. Have some sweets.”

Ellie moved quickly to the table and took a seat beside her mother, her usual spot. “Have ya told them, Evan?” she asked, her eyes on her brother across the table.

Stalling like before, Evan ran a hand through his thick blond hair and then took a drink. “Not yet,” he murmured.

Lyle’s heart dropped.

“Why not just say it, Bruder?” Ellie said, tears welling up.

Evan set down his glass. “All right, then.” His shoulders rose and fell, like he was worried about their reaction. “Twenty-five’s my lottery number. If I pass the military physical, I’ll be inducted into the army.”

A pang flashed through Lyle’s chest as Elisabeth bowed her head. He waited a moment lest Evan might say more. But Evan simply got up, made his way to the side door, and walked out of the house, leaving Ellie to slip her arm around her mother, who was breathing mighty fast.

Surely now he’ll talk to the bishop about trying to qualify for a religious exemption, Lyle thought, hoping so with everything in him.

———

It was late when Lyle retired for the night. Bible reading and prayer time with the family was a dim memory now as he closed the bedroom door behind him.