“Which is why I volunteered.” Ruthann paused a moment. “Honestly, I’ve been feelin’ restless lately, so this’ll keep me occupied till spring.” She looked rather pensive now. “I’ve already told Sol ’bout it. I’m guessin’ he’ll write to me now and then.”

“Of course he will.”

“Well, he did say he’ll be busy pruning the orchard. But I’ll be busy, too.”

Ellie was confused. This did not sound like either Sol or Ruthann.

When they finished talking, Ellie walked downstairs with her cousin, glad she’d dropped by. It’s heartening she’s concerned about me, even though I’m fine, she thought, actually more concerned about Sol and Ruthann’s relationship.

The following week, Ellie gave Dat a list of six new customers in town, and he beamed.

“I was worried that Evan’s absence would affect our sales,” Dat said, “so it’s a big help what you’re doin’, Ellie.”

“Even though I’m not nearly as strong as Evan, I’m fillin’ in wherever I can.”

“But evidently, you’re quite persuasive,” her father replied, thanking her.

The next day, Mamm and Dat received another letter from Evan, who’d written that a good buddy from his platoon wanted him to go home with him during their thirty-day leave.

Ellie sat with her mother on the front room settee as she read Evan’s letter for herself. I’ve accepted his invitation. Honestly, I think it’s for the better—I don’t want to offend you with my military haircut and uniform. Let’s face it: I’d get a lot of looks back there from anyone who knows me. I’ll keep in touch, though, before I leave for Vietnam at the end of February.

Ellie stared at the letter, trying to comprehend her brother’s decision. Didn’t Evan realize that nearly everything he’d done since leaving home was offensive to Mamm and Dat and their dearly held beliefs?

She handed the letter back to Mamm, whose lower lip trembled. “Aw, Mamm.” She leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I know this makes ya sad.”

“It just would’ve been so gut to see him again, no matter what he looks like.” Mamm wiped her eyes. “Your poor father will take this mighty hard.”

“Jah,” Ellie whispered, knowing they all would.

After evening Bible reading and prayer with Dawdi and her parents, Ellie headed upstairs with the day’s newspaper, wanting to look at the listings for land sales in the area. Again, she thought of how nice it would be to add cherry and plum trees to their orchard business, expanding their offerings. Following the news of Evan’s decision not to come home for his leave, she needed something to keep her mind occupied.