Free Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman

glass lanterns filled with a yellowish liquid.
    Spying the lanterns was a reminder that this was indeed an Amish household, and Josie glanced around to see no electrical outlets, overhead light fixtures, and of course, no television or radio. But it was still much more ornate than what she remembered. One thing still stood true; the Amish didn’t believe in photographs, taking them or posing for them, so there were no pictures of family scattered about the home. Josie instantly realized that there would be no pictures for her to see of Linda growing up. What did she look like when she was two-years-old? Five? Thirteen?
    Mary Ellen sat down in the rocker facing Josie on the couch, but it was only a few moments later when they both heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Both women stood up. Josie watched as Linda descended the last few steps, then paused before she slowly entered the den.
    “Hello,” Josie said tenderly to the girl in the deep purple dress who stood before her. My daughter . She held her position and waited for Linda to come a little closer.
    “Hi.” Linda’s eyes locked with Josie’s, but only for a moment. “What time would you like me to be home, Mamm ?”
    Mary Ellen smiled, but Josie could still see fear etched into her expression. “Take as long as you like,” she said bravely. Then she walked to Linda, whispered something in her ear, and pulled her into a gentle hug. After a moment, she eased away and turned to Josie.
    “Katie’s Kitchen is a nice place for lunch. They haven’t been open long, and we try to support them, since they are Amish-owned and operated.” She paused, then shrugged. “Linda likes it there, but I’m sure anywhere will be fine.”
    “I think Katie’s Kitchen sounds nice for lunch.” Josie glanced at her wrist and remembered she hadn’t worn her watch. “Probably a little early for lunch.” She turned to Linda. “I thought I would take you to my home, if you’d like. We could talk there, maybe have some tea or coffee. Then we can head to Katie’s Kitchen later. If that’s okay? I’m open to anything really. It doesn’t matter. Is there something else you’d like to do? Or maybe . . .” Josie stopped when she realized she was rambling. Then she had a thought, an idea that perhaps would make the entire day easier on everyone. She turned to Mary Ellen.
    “Mary Ellen, would you like to come with us?”
    Mary Ellen’s eyes widened, and she glanced at Linda, but ultimately shook her head. “No, I think it’d be best if you two spent some time alone.”
    “But Mamm , she said you can come, and—” Linda’s pleading voice made Josie realize just how nervous Linda was. I’m nervous, too, sweetheart .
    “No, Linda. I have much to do around here.” Mary Ellen took a step backward, waved, and said, “Now, go and have a gut time.” Mary Ellen continued to ease backward until she had almost rounded the corner into the other room. “Have fun,” she hoarsely whispered, and Josie could see Mary Ellen’s eyes clouding with tears.
    “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” Josie’s heart ached for Mary Ellen.
    “It’s okay. Let’s go,” Linda said to Josie when her mother shook her head again. “ Mamm , I’ll be home this afternoon.” Then Linda said something in Pennsylvania Deitsch to Mary Ellen—something Josie didn’t understand—but Mary Ellen smiled, then she left the room. Linda followed Josie out to the car.
    “Does this car have air-conditioning?” Linda climbed into the passenger seat up front and strapped on her seatbelt.
    “Yes, it does.” Josie turned on the air conditioner as soon as she started the engine.
    “Some of the Englisch don’t use their air-conditioning, or they don’t have it in their cars. I don’t know which.” Linda looked out of the window as they drove down the driveway.
    “I can’t imagine not having air-conditioning. Even though it’s only May, it’s already really warm.” Josie glanced at