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CHAPTER 1
Malinda leaned her head against the cool window of the big white van that was transporting her home. She had hugged Aenti Mary and apologized for getting sick when she'd come to help her aenti — as if she could control when a flare-up of her Crohn's disease would occur. And this had been a particularly nasty flare-up that had necessitated hospitalization. She still felt tired, weak, and sickly thin, but she was relieved to be out of the hospital and on her way home. She would have to endure Mamm's clucking over her like a mother hen and pushing all kinds of gooey goodies at her to fatten her up. The very thought of food made Malinda's stomach turn inside out, but the idea of climbing into her own comfortable, familiar bed soon settled her gut down a bit.
Malinda closed her eyes to stop the dizziness caused by the trees zooming past the window. Maybe she could sleep the whole nine-hour ride away. She didn't want to appear rude to the other passengers, who would disembark at various towns along the way, but she wasn't up to holding lengthy conversations. If she looked half as sick as she felt, they'd probably all steer clear of her anyway. Her head bumped against the window as the van chugged along. Lest a pounding headache ensue, Malinda slid down as much as the seat belt would allow and leaned her head against the back of the high seat. Conversations, some in Pennsylvania Dutch and others in Englisch, swirled around her, but she finally tuned them out. If only she could tune out the voices in her own head.
Had she given Todd McWilliams any indication she was even remotely interested in him as anything other than her health care provider? Why would he assume she could just up and jump the fence? She'd never had any desire to leave her community. Sure, some aspects of the Englisch life might be appealing, but not so appealing that she'd sacrifice her beliefs, her family, and her freinden for the luxury of turning on an electric light or jumping into a car for a quick ten-minute drive to the grocery store.
And what was with Nurse Trudy? For a brief moment, the nurse's eyes had shot daggers at her from across the room before she assumed her professional nurse expression. It seemed almost as if the young nurse, who was probably only a few years older than Malinda, had feared Malinda was stealing her man. She needn't have worried. Malinda had been a little flattered, but mostly confused and frightened. She was glad Trudy had entered the room when she did to save Malinda from being alone with the doctor any longer. Ach! It was too much to think about now. Ohio would soon be behind her.
The hum of rubber tires on the pavement and the steady drone of voices lulled Malinda to sleep. She only vaguely noticed any stops the van made until they reached the mountains of western Maryland. Somewhere near Oakland, the van lurched to a stop.
"Ach! Sorry, dear." The blonde, fortyish woman who had been sitting beside Malinda with her knitting needles clacking the whole way spoke softly. Her elbow poked Malinda as she gathered up her purse and small knitting bag in preparation to climb from the van. "Oops. Sorry."
Malinda turned bleary eyes in the woman's direction. "That's okay." With her throat as dry as dust, Malinda's voice came out as a croak. She cleared her throat and sat up straighter to look out the window. "Do you live here?"
"Jah. There are several Amish and Mennonite communities here." The woman smiled. If she'd told Malinda her name earlier, Malinda couldn't recall it now.
"It's beautiful." Malinda stared in awe at the surrounding mountains, all green with summer vegetation. She must have dozed through this region on the way out to Ohio. "It must be amazing in the winter, all snow-covered."
"Jah. We certainly get our share of snow most winters. It's gut for business. We get tourists all year round with the ski resorts in winter and the campers and hikers in summer."
"It must be very nice here."
"Very nice, but it can be very cold in winter. A little thing like you would surely freeze."
"Probably." Some winters in Southern Maryland were so cold and snowy, Malinda wanted to do nothing more than huddle beside the woodstove with one of Mamm's thickest quilts wrapped snugly around her.
Of course, she rarely had that luxury. There were always chores to complete, which Malinda often did with chattering teeth. Being the only girl in a family with five bruders meant plenty of cooking, cleaning, washing, and mending needed to get done. Mamm needed her help. She hoped Mamm hadn't worked too hard in her absence. They hadn't planned on her being gone so long.
"It's quite lovely here in summer," the woman continued. "It doesn't get unbearably hot, and there is usually at least a small mountain breeze to give you a breath of air."
"It sounds wunderbaar."
"Kumm visit us some time. Just ask for Nora Kinsinger. Most folks around here know me. I have a sewing and stitching store."
"I may just do that one day."
"You'd be most wilkom. Enjoy the rest of your trip, Malinda." With that, Nora Kinsinger jumped from the van and followed the driver to the back to retrieve her larger traveling bag.
Malinda must have told Nora her name when they'd first found themselves strapped in next to each other, but her brain was still too fuzzy to conjure up any memory of that. She didn't know about enjoying the rest of the trip, though. Her backside already felt numb, and she had several more hours of bouncing along in one of the middle seats of the extended van to endure. She'd be ever so glad to reach St. Mary's County.
* * *
She managed to stay awake as the van twisted and turned on the narrow mountain roads. Malinda found herself whispering prayers on some of the steeper descents. The runaway truck ramps for big rigs that couldn't slow down gave her some cause for concern. She turned slightly and craned her neck to peek out the back window to assure herself that no eighteen- wheelers were rumbling down the mountain behind the van. Towering peaks kissing the cloudless blue sky and dark and light green patchwork valleys provided breathtaking views, but Malinda still heaved a sigh of relief when the highway leveled off and the mountain roads were behind them.
Malinda dozed off and on as the van zipped along the interstate and only fully awoke when it made a left turn right after they crossed the line into Charles County. Depending on traffic, and how fast the driver pushed them, she might be home in St. Mary's County in twenty to thirty minutes. The Englischer who usually drove her family or neighbors places too far to travel by buggy was a very cautious driver who strictly obeyed speed limits and road signs. The Ohio man behind the wheel of this van was totally unfamiliar to Malinda and seemed to be a bit more of a risk taker. Malinda knew they had only barely squeaked through several yellow traffic lights, and she felt pretty sure they had exceeded the speed limit on more than one occasion.
She wiggled in her seat and stretched out her tingly legs. She hoped they would hold her weight, slight though it was, when she finally stood. She also hoped she'd be able to unglue her backside from the seat. The driver had said he planned to stop at the grocery store in Clover Dale. Her daed or mamm would meet them there. That way the driver could more quickly head back home. Just a few more miles to go.
The Welcome to St. Mary's County sign was a welcome sight indeed. They only had to pass a few gas stations and businesses before turning into the store's parking lot. Malinda began counting the seconds as the van waited for the light to turn green. Her head jerked hard when the driver hit the accelerator, and she almost bit her tongue. She strained to see if a buggy was waiting at the far side of the store.
As the van drove around the edge of the parking lot, Malinda spied a dark gray buggy. It could be anyone from the community, since all the Amish in Southern Maryland drove dark gray buggies. If she could catch a glimpse of the horse, she'd know for sure and for certain. Jah. It was definitely Mamm or Daed. She'd know their big dark brown horse anywhere. When he flicked his head, Malinda could plainly see the white star above Chestnut's nose. Home. She'd be home very soon.
Malinda fumbled with the catch on the seat belt and finally freed herself as the driver hopped out. How did he jump out so quickly after sitting in the same cramped position for hours? Malinda exited the van more slowly. She even had to hold on to the side of the van to keep her balance as she took baby steps on wobbly legs. She shook each leg a bit, hoping to dispel the pins and needles prickling them from feet to thighs, but her effort was fruitless. She hobbled to the back of the van to claim her suitcase and quilted carryall bag.
Malinda thanked the driver a moment before arms encircled her and nearly squeezed the breath from her body. "Ach, Mamm! I didn't even see you get out of the buggy."
"Wilkom home, Malinda." Saloma Stauffer released Malinda and fumbled with the purse hooked on her left arm. "Let me pay the driver."
"It's already taken care of, ma'am," the driver replied.
"How? Malinda, did you ..." Saloma turned to look at Malinda. With one fidgety hand, she tucked a wisp of light brown hair under her white kapp and shoved her silver-rimmed glasses back up her nose.
"Miss Mary paid me before we left Ohio," the driver said. "Don't worry about a thing."
"That was gut of her."
"I'm going to get back on the road. You ladies have a good day."
"Danki. Have a safe trip," Malinda replied.
"Kumm, Malinda." Saloma hoisted the heavy suitcase, leaving the lighter bag for Malinda.
Here it kumms. The invalid treatment.
CHAPTER 2
"I can get that, Mamm."
"You don't look like you could carry a gnat. Didn't they feed you in that hospital? I knew I should have gone out there to take care of you." Saloma's voice faded, but she continued talking as she headed toward the buggy.
Malinda stared at her mamm's back and smiled at the continuous mumbling she couldn't decipher. That's Mamm. Always fussing and worrying over me. Malinda picked up the carryall bag and followed her muttering mamm.
Saloma set the suitcase in the back of the buggy and plucked the bag from Malinda's hands. "Let me look at you." Her brown eyes, not quite as big or as dark as Malinda's, traveled up and down Malinda's body. "Too thin. Way too small."
"Mamm, you're hardly a giant yourself. You're about five feet nothing and probably don't weigh a hundred pounds dripping wet."
"Jah, but I doubt you even weigh ninety."
"You know how it is when I get a flare-up. I was very dehydrated, and I hurt too much to eat."
"Well, you're home now, and I intend to fatten you up a bit."
Malinda rolled her eyes when Saloma's gaze wasn't fixed on her. She knew better than to protest. When her mamm got on a roll, she may just as well save her breath.
Saloma paused before climbing into the buggy. "Is there anything you want from the store while we're here?"
"I can't think of anything."
"Okay. Let's go home before the traffic picks up with folks on their way home from work."
"Home. That sure sounds gut to me." Malinda grasped the edge of the open buggy door to pull herself up. Ordinarily she could hop right into the buggy like her mamm just had, but she still felt a little weak. Her wobbly legs had a mind of their own and offered only minimal support. Malinda plopped onto the seat and gave a weak smile when Saloma peered at her out of the corner of her eye. She settled her skirt and nodded at her mamm. "I'm ready."
Saloma clucked to Chestnut, and the buggy rolled forward. The slower pace and rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves calmed Malinda's nerves. Her tight shoulder muscles and stiff back relaxed. She hadn't realized how tense she'd become as the van had raced along the highway. Mamm steered the buggy to the shoulder of the southbound lane of traffic. Malinda relaxed even more when they turned off onto a smaller road leading to their community.
"The honeysuckle has bloomed." Malinda sniffed the sweet fragrance. "I guess I missed the pear trees and apple trees."
"Jah. They've already bloomed. I suppose you left before any of the flowers started blooming."
"Spring was just getting under way when I left. Now summer is half gone."
"Ohio must have been pretty, though."
"It was. The fields that hadn't been plowed were dotted with all sorts of wildflowers. Aenti Mary's flowers were pretty. I kept them weeded and watered until I got sick. I felt so guilty, Mamm. I was there to help her, and she ended up helping me."
"I'm sure she was plenty grateful for your company and your help." Saloma stretched out her right arm to pat Malinda's knee. "Besides, she was about well when you took sick, ain't so?"
"She was pretty well recovered."
"Are you pretty well recovered, too?"
"I think so. I still feel a little weak, but being home makes me feel ever so much better."
"Gut. We'll get you strong and healthy again."
Malinda sighed and lapsed into silence. She would not give voice to her fears and doubts. She studied the scenery that passed by her. Her neighbors' neat yards looked the same as always. Little brown birds perched in clumps along electric wires strung between the poles along the road. Of course, those wires only led to her Englisch neighbors' houses. White, cottony clouds slid across the bright, blue sky. The moving buggy generated a slight breeze to cool the hot afternoon. A young Amish woman and man on the side of the road caught her attention.
"Malinda!" the young woman cried.
"Ach ! It's Phoebe Yoder." Malinda waved at her freind. Phoebe had been a year ahead of her at school, but they had always been gut freinden.
"Wilkom home, Malinda! I'll visit soon," Phoebe called.
Malinda nodded and turned toward her mamm. "Who was that with Phoebe?"
Saloma pushed her glasses up again with her left forefinger. "That's Ben Miller. I guess he arrived here after you left for Ohio."
"Ben Miller. Ben Miller." Malinda tapped her head as if that would jog her memory.
"Ben is Rufus and Lena Kurtz's grandson. He lived here as a boy until his mamm died. Then his daed moved them to Holmes County. He used to visit, though, in summers."
"I remember now. He's older than me, so I didn't really know him at school."
"He's a bit older than Phoebe, too, I'm thinking."
"Are he and Phoebe, uh, a couple?"
"Now, that I'm not sure about. Phoebe took the kidnapping of her little schweschder very hard. She blamed herself and sort of avoided people. It seems Ben has been a great freind to her."
"You wrote me about the kidnapping. That must have been so awful. Little Naomi is fine, ain't so?"
"Jah. The Lord brought her back unharmed. What a blessing for the Yoders and all of us. Naomi is happy and healthy. Lavina scarcely lets her out of her sight."
"That's understandable. Having your boppli snatched away and not knowing if you'll ever see her again must be an awful thing." Malinda sniffed and blinked back the sudden tears that sprang to her eyes at the very thought of the nightmare the Yoders had experienced. She searched for a new topic of conversation. "In one of Phoebe's letters to me, she mentioned something about Micah Graber. She isn't courting him, is she?"
"Now Malinda, you know very well those things are private." A sly smile slid across Saloma's face. She cocked one eyebrow and glanced askance at her dochder.
"Right, Mamm. There's nothing private around here. News and even possible news travels faster along the Amish grapevine than it would along that telephone wire going from one Englisch house to another."
Saloma chuckled. "And you missed it while you were gone, ain't so?"
Malinda laughed. "It was hard piecing things together from the snippets of information I gleaned from yours, Phoebe's, or Mary Stoltzfus's letters."
"I daresay it gave you something to do when you weren't tending to your aenti."
"Aenti Mary healed very quickly from her hip surgery. She's getting around now with barely a limp. I'm just sorry I frightened her and she ended up worrying about me. I-I wish this horrible illness would just go away. I've prayed so much for healing, but it hasn't happened."
"The Lord Gott gives us strength to bear whatever comes our way." Saloma reached over to squeeze Malinda's hand.
"I know, but —"
"The apostle Paul prayed for healing, too. Remember? The Lord had other plans and told Paul His grace was sufficient."
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The Mending"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Susan Lantz Simpson.
Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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