“Molly keeps an ear out for her . . . says she’s restless. I think they’re both sleep deprived, sad to say.”

Anna wondered if Mammi was experiencing anything similar, though Wanita hadn’t mentioned it.

“Low energy is also a symptom of dementia,” Sadie said with a sigh. “Eva’s doctor told Molly this recently.”

Anna listened for a moment and then put in, “And in the later stages, people suffering with this don’t always realize that anything is wrong.” She felt truly sorry for Eva . . . and for Molly and Sadie.

“After we make these last two cards, I need to go an’ check for messages at the phone shed,” Sadie said.

“And while you do that, I’ll make supper.”

A smile spread across Sadie’s wrinkled face. “You’ve been wanting to do that since ya got here, ain’t so?”

Anna nodded. “And how about tonight?”

Sadie just looked at her and tilted her head. “Why don’t we cook up somethin’ together?”

Anna grinned. “Like you always say.”

“It’s more fun thataway, jah?”

Anna couldn’t disagree. “Okay, you win.” She laughed. “Again.”

Saturday morning at Peaceful Meadows, Anna helped Emmie with the basic grooming, talking softly to Promise, and working closely with the little girl as she moved the curry brush in circular motions. Anna glanced at the sweet girl, whose tiny fingers clutched the small brush as she pressed her lips firmly together.

“Promise is glad to see you, Emmie,” she said softly. “Can you say his name today? Can you say Pro . . . mise?”

Looking away, Emmie remained silent and worked with the brush, leaning closer now to the pony.

Gabe soon came around to the left side to lift Emmie up onto the saddle—standard mounting procedure, as Anna knew from all her years working with ponies.

Anna took her own position on the right side, helping to guide Emmie’s foot into the small stirrup, just as she had last Saturday, talking softly to the small girl all the while.

Gabe patted Emmie’s shoulder gently before he left to assist another young rider. Soon, Dottie came over and stood at Promise’s left flank as they waited for the leader. Anna assumed it might be Gabe again, but it turned out to be Katie Blank, who petted Promise’s nose and greeted Anna and Dottie before smiling up at Emmie. “Are ya ready to ride?”

Instantly, Emmie reached to hold on to the horn of the saddle, swaying slightly forward and back with her whole body.

Looking up at Emmie, Dottie asked, “Can you tell Promise to go forward?”

Again, Emmie was silent, but she continued to rock gently, as she had done before when sitting in the saddle.

Once Katie was ready to lead, she counted, “Eener, zwee, drei . . . geh!”