Chapter 15
770 Words
Two weeks later
Elijah
I haven’t seen Ember since that night. I can’t help but feel like the confusion pushed her away. I tried to catch glimpses of her but she always seemed to dodge me.
I decided I’m going to write her a letter and put it into our spot in the rock wall.
Finding the journal I open it up to find she had written me a letter.
My heart sank. I realized too late that I had hurt her again, and now she was moving on.
Maybe it is for the best.
I closed the journal, my mind reeling with Ember's words. It was time to put aside my emotions and focus on my responsibilities. As an Amish farmer, I had chores to attend to and a farm to run.
I hid the journal in its secret spot, making a mental note to revisit it later. For now, I had to tend to my duties.
The sun was rising, casting a warm glow over the fields. I headed out to the barn, the sound of roosters crowing and cows mooing filling the air.
My brother Jacob was already up, feeding the animals. "Morning, Eli," he said, his eyes sparkling with energy.
"Morning, Jake," I replied, joining him in the barn. "Let's get to work."
Together, we tackled the day's tasks: milking cows, feeding chickens, and tending to the crops. The physical labor helped clear my mind, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Ember.
As the day wore on, I realized that life went on, regardless of heartbreak. The farm needed me, and I had to be strong for my family.
As the sun began to set, I headed back to the house for evening supper. My stomach was full from a day of physical labor, but I was looking forward to a warm meal and some conversation.
As I walked into the kitchen, my sister Mary greeted me with a smile. "Eli, supper's ready," she said, setting a steaming plate of roast chicken and vegetables in front of me.
I took a seat at the table, and my mother began to serve out the food. My brothers, Jacob and Benjamin, chatted about their day, but I remained quiet, lost in thought.
Mary, sensing my distraction, leaned in and whispered, "Eli, I saw Ember watching us today."
I looked up, surprised. "What do you mean?" I asked.
Mary's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I saw her standing by the fence, watching us farm. She looked...sad."
My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected to see her today.
"Have you talked to her?" Mary asked, her voice low.
I hesitated, unsure how to respond, but before I could speak, Mother chimed in.
"I saw her as well, Eli. She looks very frail," Mother said, concern etched on her face. "Mary, can you ask her to join us for dinner tomorrow? It's been too long, and I'd love to reconnect with her."
My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected Mother to suggest inviting Ember to dinner.
"Poor girl, taking care of her dying mother," Mother continued. "I'm sure once Janice passes, Ember will be taking over the house. We should welcome her back with open arms."
Mary nodded, already understanding her task. "I'll go ask her tomorrow," she said, smiling.
I felt a mix of emotions: guilt, concern, and a hint of hope. Would Ember accept the invitation? And what would happen when she did?
After dinner I helped the girls wash up and get into bed. Anne whispered to me after Lydia fell asleep “papa… who is Ember? And why does she make you sad?” A pang of emotion washed over me.
“Well lydie, it’s not that she makes me sad. It’s just she was very important to me growing up and seeing her sad makes my heart hurt.” I said hoping she understood.
“So you love her. I can’t wait to meet her and hug her. Maybe my hug will heal her.” She said hopeful.
****
The next day, Mary returned from her errand, a smile on her face. "Ember said yes, Eli! She's coming over for dinner tomorrow."
My stomach twisted with anticipation. I hadn't seen Ember in weeks, and the thought of facing her again made my heart race.
Mother beamed with satisfaction. "I'll make sure to prepare her favorite dish, chicken and noodles."
As the day of the dinner approached, I found myself lost in thought. What would I say to Ember? How would she react to seeing me again? Seeing my daughters? Will she welcome Lydia’s hug?
- Writer
