Rebekah's Quilt by Sara Barnard @TheSaraBarnard

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Springtime is my favorite time of the year, especially when it comes early.” Rebekah flung herself back onto her quilts.

“Oh my girl, you make my heart glad.”

Rebekah fiddled with a lock of her hair. “Is Pa working in the field?”

Elnora placed both hands on her back and stretched. “Yes, you know your Pa. Trying to get as much done as he can in good weather.” Elnora paused. “It’s supposed to be a mild rest of the season. But he’ll be in this afternoon for your birthday get-together.”

“Will the Graber’s be coming?” Before the words were fully off her tongue, Rebekah’s cheeks began to burn.

Pulling back a curtain, Elnora gazed out the window. “Heloise and Lucas will be coming tonight. But not Joseph.”

“Oh,” Rebekah’s voice was muted. “Why won’t he be coming?” She tried, unsuccessfully, to mask the crestfallen note in her voice.

Elnora slid open the dresser drawer and selected Rebekah’s brightest head covering. “Well,” she began, holding the gauzy bonnet out to her, “Joseph won’t be coming tonight, because he is walking up the path to our house right now.”

Rebekah’s jaw went slack. The sinking feeling in her stomach immediately began to soar,

propelling her out of bed.