The Caregiver - By Shelley Shepard Gray Page 0,4

brother Loyal had simply laughed. “What does it matter if people think you’re weak or strong? All that matters is how you feel. And for the record, I think you have every right to feel betrayed.”

“Jah,” Graham added. “They went and fell in love right under your nose, Calvin. Get away from here for a week or so. Clear your head.”

“Or better yet, take Katie,” Loyal added.

“Katie?” he’d asked in surprise and, admittedly, with trepidation.

“Yes, that would be a mighty gut idea,” his youngest brother said. “She’s been pestering Mamm something awful these days. Mamm would be terribly grateful if you got her out of her hair for a bit.”

But though his brothers’ advice made perfect sense—and though his mother had wholeheartedly supported his vacation—Calvin had hemmed and hawed. He’d stayed up many nights and prayed for answers. For the right answers. But the only advice that rang true to him was in his brothers’ words.

That there was no shame in being hurt.

So, with his little sister in tow, he’d left Jacob’s Crossing and journeyed west to Indianapolis. There, they visited Uncle John, who’d become an Englischer when Calvin was just a child.

While in Indianapolis, the three of them visited the city’s children’s museum and sampled ice cream on park benches. They’d walked city blocks and ridden bicycles. Slowly, Calvin began to feel less depressed about his reasons for being there and had begun to take comfort in the blessings he was given. He admired the tall buildings and the intricately designed gardens. He bought a dozen postcards to show his brothers. And Katie’s indefatigable spirit brightened his days.

Just as they were preparing to leave, John surprised the both of them by saying he wanted to accompany them back. “I’ve been gone for too long. For twenty years; since I was eighteen,” he said, speaking of Geauga County and their many relatives.

“We’ll be glad to have you near,” Calvin had said, but inside, his mind was spinning. All he’d ever heard was that John had moved away and never looked back. That he’d abandoned all of them with his English ways and his worldly views.

Though, that wasn’t true, because, after all, he’d been a mighty good host to him and Katie. Calvin had definitely gotten the impression that he liked his life in Indianapolis. And that he never pined for his old life—or his family.

But perhaps that also wasn’t true.

Now, as he looked at Gwen’s letter, Calvin forced himself to look to the future. In mere hours, they’d be back in Jacob’s Crossing. There, Calvin felt sure he could go back to his old life. If he tried real hard, Calvin was certain he’d be able to tell everyone that Gwen and Will’s new affection for each other hardly mattered to him at all.

He knew he needed to throw out Gwen’s note and move on, in mind as well as deed.

But, as if his hands acted of their own accord, the paper was folded and neatly slipped back into his pocket. There would be another time. Another, better time.

Twenty minutes later, Katie stretched and sat up. “Can I have a snack now?”

“You just ate, child.”

“Almost two hours ago. I’m hungry again.”

He sincerely doubted that. Most likely, she was just restless. And eager to pester the woman behind them. “Don’tcha think you should try to fall back to sleep?”

“I can’t with the storm. It’s thundering something awful.” With a mischievous smile, she said, “Calvin, I think some of the Oreos Uncle John gave us would make me feel better.”

“All right, then. Sit tight,” he murmured, standing up. Unable to help himself, he glanced Lucy’s way.

She was watching him, her golden eyes looking like they didn’t miss a thing.

“My sister, she needs a snack,” he explained.

“So I heard.” A slight smile appeared for a second, then vanished like an apparition.

He’d just reached his arms up to grab hold of the fabric handle of his bag overhead when the train rocked.

“Oh!” Lucy said.

Outside, a flash of lightning illuminated the sky. Inside, the row of fluorescent lights flickered. The train rocked again.

Almost losing his balance, Calvin reached for the chrome bar and gripped it hard.

“Calvin! Gebb acht!” Katie warned.

“I am being careful. Don’t worry so,” he chided just as the lights flickered again and seemingly gave up the fight, shrouding everyone in darkness.

Beside him, Katie jumped to her feet . . . and Lucy cried out.

Chapter 2

“Katie? Lucy? Are you both all right?” Calvin asked through the shadows.

“I am fine,” Lucy replied as embarrassment