“Sol could share what he knows ’bout all of that with Evan,” Titus remarked as he buttered his bread roll.

It struck Ellie as odd that Titus was talking as if Evan wasn’t sitting right there with them.

Jonah leaned forward to look at Evan. “All ya have to do, little brother, is contact the local Amish Steering Committee. They’ll represent ya to the state officials and walk ya through everything ya need to do.”

Dawdi Hezekiah spoke up. “Of course, for that to work, ya’d have to be in right standin’ with the church—a baptized member or preparing to be. That’s for certain.”

Instead of replying, Evan reached for his tumbler of water and took a long drink.

Ellie wondered why her brothers hadn’t already discussed this with Evan this morning. Then she remembered he’d been out running errands for Dat in Paradise and Smoketown. It’s good he’s getting this advice now. She hoped he’d take it to heart—and soon. Time was running out for him to catch up on baptismal instruction.

“Son, are ya still leanin’ toward not registering as a conscientious objector?” Dat asked, his voice a bit husky. He didn’t wait for Evan to reply. “If you’ve changed your mind, you need to make immediate arrangements. As I understand it, the bishop will have to vouch for ya first.” He paused. “I’d be happy to go with ya to talk to him.”

Evan seemed to study Dat, paying close attention. “I’m in Rumschpringe, though, Dat,” he said quietly. “I’m not ready to take that step.”

“Rumschpringe! Are ya nuts?” Jonah scowled. “Haven’t ya run around long enough? I mean, Evan, you’ve got a gut head on your shoulders, so wake up and do the right thing. It could spare your life!”

Mamm nodded her agreement, her expression anxious. “You’ll think on all of this, won’t ya, son?”

Evan looked at her. He always took it seriously when Mamm spoke up.

“We love ya, Bruder . . . all of us,” Ellie said, having a hard time getting the words out. Her twin looked like he felt cornered, and though he’d brought this on himself, she felt strangely sorry for him.

Sitting up straighter, Evan reached for the casserole dish. He helped himself to generous seconds, and Ellie knew for sure the conversation was over.

At Friday market, Ellie couldn’t stop thinking about Evan’s demeanor at yesterday’s noon meal. The men around the table had certainly explained what he had to do if he’d changed his mind. She’d fallen asleep last night thinking of him, and even dreamed about him, though now she couldn’t remember what the dream was—something about Evan getting lost overseas.