Free The Restoration by Wanda E Brunstetter

David’s cast.”
    Iva’s eyebrows lifted, but she made no comment. She hoped Priscilla wouldn’t make a habit of spending time with David. His modern English ways might rub off on her.
    Priscilla moved closer to the sink. “I need to ask you a question, Mom.”
    “Ask away.” Iva turned back to the potatoes.
    “David said he sent me some letters during his first year of college, but I didn’t get any of them. Would you know anything about that?”
    The peeler slipped from Iva’s fingers, and she drew in a sharp breath. She fixed her gaze out the window, barely aware of how the sunset made the snow look pink. Should she admit she’d intercepted the letters or pretend she knew nothing about them? Back then, Iva had rationalized that she was only trying to protect her daughter.
    What I did was bad enough. I can’t lie to my own daughter about this now. It would go against what I believe—especially when Daniel and I have taught our children to be honest and upright, as the Bible says.
    Swallowing past the constriction in her throat, she turned and looked at Priscilla. “I–I’m ashamed to admit this, but the truth is, I threw away David’s letters.”
    Priscilla gasped. “Why would you do something like that, Mom?”
    “I saw the way David hung around you whenever he came to visit his grandparents. I was afraid he might talk you into becoming part of his English world.”
    “David has never tried to influence me to do anything, Mom. Even if he had, you ought to know I would never go English.” Priscilla’s shoulders tightened. “I’m disappointed you would keep David’s letters from me. Not to mention all this time David has wondered why I never wrote back.”
    “I’m sorry, Priscilla.” She placed her hand against her breastbone, and when she spoke, her voice cracked. “What I did was wrong. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”
    “I forgive you, Mom, but from now on, if you’re worried about something involving my life, I’d appreciate it if you would please come talk to me about it.”
    Iva hugged her daughter. “I will, and again, I’m truly sorry.”

    David lounged on the couch, barely watching the TV, while Gramps read the paper and Gram knitted a sweater. His favorite show was on, but he had no interest in it. He glanced at his cast, studying the words Priscilla had written with a marking pen.
Keep the faith.
    David realized those three simple words could have more than one meaning. Did Priscilla mean he should have faith to believe he would heal quickly? Or perhaps she’d meant something else.
    Riding in Priscilla’s buggy and enjoying Gram’s hot chocolate and brownies afterward had lifted David’s spirits. He liked being with Priscilla and looked forward to seeing her again.
    As David’s eyelids grew heavy, he let his imagination run wild.
What would it be like if I became Amish and married Priscilla?

    “Did you and Scott get a lot done on your school project today?” Cora asked while she and Jared ate supper.
    “Uh… yeah… but we still have a lot to get done.”
    “I always enjoyed science when I was in school, so I’m anxious to hear all the details.”
    Jared grabbed his glass of water and took a drink. “There’s not much to tell. I’ll fill you in when the project’s done. We’re just in the starting stages.”
    “I understand.”
    They ate in silence for a while, until the telephone rang.
    “I’ll get it!” Jared dropped his fork and raced into the other room. He returned with a big grin.
    “Who called, Jared?” Cora asked. “Was it your father?”
    “Nope. It was my friend Chad.”
    “Chad from Chicago?” Cora hoped not, because when Jared used to hang around Chad, he’d usually gotten into trouble.
    “Yeah, Mom, it was Chad from Chicago.” Jared flopped into his chair.
    “What did he want? How’d he get our number?”
    “I gave him the number. He wanted to know if he could come here for a few days during Christmas break.”
    Cora frowned. “I