Free October song by Unknown Page A

then, drawing hot water into the sink, she washed the single bowl, the utensils, and her water glass. Thinking that today, being the sky blue sunny day it was, she might venture over to Hickory Hollow, at least stop in and deliver the frozen soup to Mary. Maybe wait another day to visit Mam and Dat-she just didn’t know.
    Having packed up the frozen chunk of soup, she placed the cardboard box on the kitchen table and hurried out to the utility room, where she took down a woolen sweater from a wooden peg and slipped her arms into its sleeves.
    She drove past the woodland area near her parents’ farmhouse, not permitting herself to dwell on the former days of childhood play. Not even turning once to glance at the red sandstone farmhouse coming up on the right. Today she would keep her thoughts in check. She had a purpose, a mission to accomplish. She was here, in the hollow, on an errand of mercy. When she dropped off the homemade soup, she would offer only a cheerful smile. “How’re you doing, Mary? ‘S’nice to see you again.” That sort of thing. Having not
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    seen her friend for a full year now, the last thing Katie wanted to do was burden dear Mary.
    Once she had all that worked out in her mind, things didn’t seem so bleak as yes terday. ‘Course,thisday being what it was, all sunny and warm skies blue as the blue of the ocean at the horizon line — her spirits were lifted.
    Katie knocked on the back door, and when Mary came she stood in the window momentarily before opening the door. “Katie it’s you,” she said, eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and joy.
    “So good to see you, Mary.” She held the cardboard box, staring down at it. “I made more vegetable soup than we can hope to eat thought you and your family might enjoy some.”
    Mary’s mouth dropped open. She eyed Katie’s parcel and stepped aside. “Come in, won’tcha?” Mary beckoned.
    Due to shunning practices, Katie knew better than to hand the soup directly to Mary, from her hands to a member in good standing in the Amish church. Just wasn’t done. She went no farther than the utility room and set the box down on a shelf in the small outer room.
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    “Denki — thank you,” Mary said of the soup.
    “Hope you enjoy it.”
    “I’m sure we will.” Mary didn’t seem to know what to do with her hands. First, she folded them, then put them behind her back, swaying like a shy schoolgirl.
    The house seemed awfully quiet. Was the bishop home or not? Katie wondered.
    Mary must’re sensed her concern. Quickly, she explained that John was out delivering shoes for horses to several
    farmers at the north end of the hollow. “How’s everybody?” Katie asked.
    “Oh, we’re fine,” Mary said. “Can ya stay?”
    “Only a minute.” Katie struggled with the reality of the situation.
    “How are you and Clan?” asked Mary. “We’re fine . . thanks for asking.” Katie went on to inquire about the children, and Mary’s response was short and to the point. The children were in good health, it seemed, and the chores were attended to daily, as well as plenty of book learnin’ going on under the bishop’s roof. But looking at her dear friend, Katie was a bit worried. The light was gone from Mary’s eyes, the cheery-cheeked complexion sadly absent. “How
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    are you,really?“Katie pressed.
    Mary was silent for a moment. Then, slowly ever so slowly, it happened. The former bond of friendship took over, and they began to talk softly, best friends kept apart by a society’s rules and regulations. “I have good days and bad … like everyone
    else, I ‘spect,” Mary admitted.
    “Well, you aren’t sick, I hope.”
    Mary’s lip quivered. “Just a bit wore out, that’s all.”
    “I didn’t come to cause you pain. You must know that.”
    “No… no… it was right thoughtful of you to come, Katie.”
    “I wish there was more I could do. You
    surely have your hands full . my dear
    friend.”
    Mary smiled through her tears.