“You’re sure? I almost wonder if he just chooses not to read things about the war. Here lately, there was an article about some local attacks on Amish and Mennonite young men.”

Ellie’s hand flew to her chest in surprise. “Attacks?”

Sol explained that an Amish teen had been shot in the arm while riding in his courting buggy with his girlfriend, who only narrowly escaped being hit as well. “Evidently, the shooter was angry because he thought the Amish fella was just usin’ his CO status to avoid bein’ drafted. They don’t understand that not fightin’ is part of who we are . . . what sets us apart.”

Ellie shivered.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to alarm ya.” Sol’s eyes searched hers. “The world has turned upside down.”

Right then, one of the fellows called to Sol, and he excused himself and headed off.

Ellie resumed fanning herself with her apron, surprised that Solomon had sought her out like that, in front of all the youth. And she also realized that, in spite of being observed just now, she didn’t mind. It was the second time she and Sol had spoken somewhat privately. Even so, she should be cautious not to give the wrong impression, since Ruthann had gone out with him at least once after the double-date, and her cousin remained optimistic about being courted by him. I wouldn’t want to interfere.

Lovina stepped outdoors at that moment, so Ellie walked across the yard to where she’d taken a seat on the porch swing. “Want some company?”

Lovina stopped the swing with her bare toes and patted the seat. “The children are finally tucked in for the night.”

“You can relax now,” Ellie said, glad to sit with her. “It’s been a wunnerbaar-gut evening.”

“And your team ended up in first place, ain’t so?”

Ellie was surprised she’d kept up with that. “Rudy must’ve told ya.”

Lovina nodded. “He’s been lookin’ forward to hosting the youth for some time. He remembers what it was like bein’ a teen—wasn’t too terribly long ago.” She laughed softly, then paused. “He’s so confused ’bout Evan refusing to pursue religious exemption.”

“I don’t think anyone in the family can understand. But whatever his reasons are, Evan seems fixed on the idea of goin’ when he’s called.”

Lovina patted Ellie’s knee. “Perhaps there’s still time for him to come around.” For a lingering moment, Lovina was quiet. “I remember bein’ nineteen,” she said, lowering her voice as the swing slowed. “Some days I felt mature, and other days almost childlike . . . slippin’ back and forth.” She turned to look at Ellie. “But one thing was always clear in my mind: I knew I wanted to join church and be Amish for the rest of my life.”

Ellie nodded, wishing Evan felt the same way.

12