After the first Saturday session at the retreat, Anna was pleasantly surprised to encounter the blond woman who always accompanied little Emmie, either bringing her or picking her up. The pretty woman came into the stable and introduced herself as “Emmie’s aunt Barbara Mast.”

“Wunnerbaar to meet you,” Anna said, thinking she looked even more like Emmie up close, her heart-shaped Kapp secured with bobby pins on the sides.

“Emmie seemed particularly happy this morning on the way over here. She loves comin’ to ride, that’s for sure,” Barbara said, her rosy cheeks dimpling as she talked. She glanced down at Emmie. “Ain’t so, Emmie?”

Emmie did not respond to her aunt but remained focused on Anna.

“I’ve heard from folks that many of the children seem especially cheerful on their riding day,” Anna said.

Barbara gently reached for Emmie’s hand. “Well, this one’s only cheerful on Saturdays,” Barbara said, her deep blue eyes turning sad.

Assuming she was referring to Emmie’s grief, Anna caught herself nodding. Poor little girl!

“Say, I’m havin’ a little get-together next Friday morning,” Barbara said. “Some fresh-brewed coffee and goodies, plus gut fellowship. Dottie and Katie will be there. Would ya like to join us, Anna?”

Little Emmie blinked as she kept looking up at Anna.

At first, Anna wasn’t sure what to say. Why would Barbara invite her when Anna wasn’t as traditionally Plain as she was, or as Dottie and Katie, for that matter? But wanting to be polite, she said, “That’s real nice. May I bring some sweet bread to share?”

“Just bring yourself. I’ll have plenty to nibble on.” Barbara’s eyes were shining now, and she put out her hand to shake Anna’s. “Denki for takin’ such gut care of Emmie when she rides.”

This, too, surprised Anna, since all the side walkers were extra careful with the younger riders. “Well, I’m happy to be Emmie’s side walker,” Anna said, hardly knowing what else to say; it seemed odd to be sought out like this.

Barbara gave her the address, and Anna thanked her, still not sure what to make of the unexpected invitation.

Anna glanced at Emmie just then and saw a smile appear. Heartened, Anna said, “I’ll see you again next Saturday, okay, Emmie?” She held her breath, hoping Emmie might nod her head. Anything in response.

But Emmie turned slowly to go with her aunt Barbara, and Anna stood there, watching them walk quietly together toward the passenger van.

Another lovely surprise happened that afternoon, when Heidi stopped by to see Anna at Flauds’. She brought with her an embroidered doily with yellow roses in the center. “I’ve been working on this since you first came to our church,” Heidi said as the two of them sat on the back porch together. “Just overlook the mistakes if you find any.” She sounded apologetic.