“That’s my hope and prayer.”

After the meal, he suggested a drive down to the Susquehanna River for a walk, and she was happy to agree.

There, he talked politics for a while, and some about the book he was reading on how to build a deck. She enjoyed listening for a time, but if the truth were known, she had hoped he might begin to talk about more personal things at some point. Will he ever?

Later, on the drive back to Strasburg, she realized the two of them really weren’t moving forward at all. We’re still stuck at friendship. . . .

Saturday afternoon, Anna received a call from Wanita with news that Mammi Eliza had fallen out of bed and shattered her right wrist. “She’s suffering terribly . . . please pray.”

Anna’s heart broke for dearest Mammi. It had been a little over two months since Anna’s last visit home, and she knew she couldn’t wait any longer. “I’ll come as soon as I pack a change of clothes.”

“Well, I don’t expect you to, Anna, but I know it’ll make all the difference to Mammi.”

Her eyes misted with emotion. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, Schweschder.”

After Anna hung up, she told Sadie about Mammi Eliza’s fall, then went to her room to pack her overnight case. “I’ll return tomorrow evening,” she told Sadie, her right wrist aching with sympathy pains.

Sadie’s face registered her concern. “Glen and I will keep her in prayer . . . and you, too, for traveling mercies.”

Two handmade quilts were spread over Mammi Eliza when Anna tiptoed into her bedroom later that afternoon. She must be chilled from the shock, Anna thought, aware also of the light scent of lavender. She wondered if Wanita had dabbed some essential oil on Mammi’s temples to make her feel a little better. Did she tell her I was coming?

Seeing how very pale Mammi looked, there with her right wrist immobilized by a splint, Anna held her breath as she sat down in the upholstered chair near the bed. Dear Lord, please help my poor, suffering Mammi, she prayed silently, her hands folded in her lap. She needs Thy touch, Father. Draw out the pain and heal her wrist by Thy power. I’m so grateful for Thy loving care over Mammi Eliza all these many years. In the name of Thy son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

A few minutes later, Wanita stepped inside, frowning and tilting her head toward Anna as if to ask how Mammi was doing. She looked nice in her violet cape dress and the matching half apron that accentuated her deep blue eyes. Her dark blond hair looked as tidy as always in its bun, and her crisp white Kapp was perfectly in place.