Free Lizabeth's Story by Thomas Kinkade Page A

listen,” Lizabeth said bitterly.
    â€œIf you weren’t with her for very long, you probably didn’t…Look, I won’t say anything to Ma and get her all upset if I don’t have to. Just keep a distance from my brothers. And you’d better wash your dishes separately and wash them well . Boil the water and—”
    â€œI can figure that out for myself,” Lizabeth said.
    â€œAnd if you start to feel even a little bit sick, you’ve got to tell right away.”
    Lizabeth opened her suitcase halfheartedly. “It’s easiest if I leave.”
    â€œGo to bed, Lizabeth.” Kat blew out an exasperated breath. “For goodness’ sake, just go to bed.”
    Lizabeth lay down and stared into the darkness. She knew that Kat wasn’t sleeping either. The silence between them felt heavy. There was nothing left to say.

nine
    T he next morning Amanda and Rose came over to the lighthouse tower.
    â€œYou should see what’s going on in town,” Amanda said. “People are walking around with masks on. It’s spooky.”
    â€œEveryone’s scared,” Rose said.
    â€œYou never know how people are going to act,” Amanda said. “Some only want to keep to themselves, taking no chances. You can’t blame them.”
    â€œFather says it makes sense for people to be afraid of being contaminated,” Rose said, “but Cape Light people have been wonderful about caring for terribly sick neighbors who are alone.”
    â€œMy father saw Mrs. Cornell at the Whites’,” Amanda said, “helping out with the twins without a thought for herself.”
    â€œThere are so many people who are ill, Lizabeth,”Rose said. “The Whites, both Mr. and Mrs., two of the Halloran children…the rest have been sent out of town.”
    â€œAll three Brewster children,” Amanda added. “Mrs. Brewster comes to church every day to pray for them.”
    â€œIt seems to hit young children the most,” Rose said. “Has your father seen Tracy again?” Lizabeth asked.
    Rose nodded. “He sees her every day on his rounds.”
    â€œWhat does he say?”
    â€œHonestly, he doesn’t say much of anything. He comes home very late and dead tired. They’re just waiting for Tracy’s fever to break.”
    â€œBut isn’t there something to do? Besides waiting ?” Lizabeth asked. “It’s been a week already.”
    Amanda squeezed her hand. “Tracy will be fine, I just know it.”
    â€œThere’s no medicine for it,” Rose said. “The only thing is cold compresses to cool her. And something nourishing if she can keep it down.”
    â€œAda makes the most wonderful beef broth. Tracy loves it,” Lizabeth said.
    â€œDidn’t you know? Ada’s not at your house,Lizabeth,” Rose said. “She’s been at her sister Leda’s. Leda’s too sick to take care of her own children.”
    Ada not there? Tracy would miss her!
    â€œDon’t worry,” Rose said softly. “Almost everyone gets well.”
    â€œWhen it’s all over it’ll be like a bad dream,” Amanda said. “You’ll see.”
    Lizabeth gazed out of the windows. How could it be such a perfect spring day when she felt so troubled? Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across a blue sky. The sea was calm today and a beautiful blue-gray.
    â€œIt seems strange that school ended so suddenly,” Amanda said.
    â€œWell, it makes sense,” Kat said. She had been unusually quiet all morning. “No one should be put at risk for no good reason.” She gave Lizabeth a cutting look.
    Lizabeth turned away and caught Amanda’s puzzled glance.
    â€œLizabeth,” Rose said. “Did you hear the Strawberry Festival has been cancelled? No crowds, no large gatherings. The Strawberry Queen event too.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” Lizabeth said