After their conversation, Maeve left the mountain village.
Conrad breathed a sigh of relief, yet an inexplicable sense of emptiness lingered in his chest. He was not softening toward her. The dull ache came from memories of their son, who had passed away far too soon.
With a heavy heart, he sat alone in the classroom long after class ended. He remained there until dusk, when Elsie came looking for him.
"Would you go down the mountain with me again?" he asked. "I want to visit the church."
Elsie asked no questions. She simply wheeled out the bicycle and followed him down the trail.
Even though she was afraid of the dark, Elsie stayed by his side as they prayed together inside the quiet church under the night sky.
A gentle warmth bloomed in Conrad's heart. His attitude toward Elsie beg
