Plain Truth by Susan Lantz Simpson

Author:Susan Lantz Simpson [Simpson, Susan Lantz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: inspirational young adult
Publisher: vinspirepublishing
Published: 2019-04-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Gude mariye!” The bell tinkled above KatieAnn’s head upon entering Esh’s store Saturday morning. She pasted on a cheerful smile, hoping to hide the fair amount of trepidation that bubbled inside her. Had Miriam found the missing items? Had more things disappeared? Would she be told to go away and stay away? She forced those thoughts aside and crossed the room to greet Sallie.

Her eyes strayed to the shelf where the faceless Amish doll had reigned. Still empty. She did a double take when she glanced in the direction of the sachets and candles. A neat stack of sachets filled the space that had been empty on Wednesday afternoon. Either Miriam located the missing sachets or Esther spent Thursday and Friday making new ones. KatieAnn felt Miriam’s eyes on her.

“Esther stopped by yesterday.” Miriam responded to her unasked questions.

“Kumm here, girl,” Sallie called from her perch.

KatieAnn raised her eyebrows and nodded in Sallie’s direction in silent query.

“Better today,” Miriam mouthed. “She slept better the last two nights. I think that helps.”

KatieAnn hurried over to kiss the cheek Sallie offered. “Wie bist du heit?”

“I’m fine. My belly is a little empty, though.”

KatieAnn chuckled at Sallie’s sly smile. “Let’s see if I can find anything in this bag to remedy that situation.” She set her bag on the counter and pulled out a container filled with slices of marble pound cake. “Did you eat your breakfast?”

“I sure did. I ate oatmeal and applesauce.”

“Then I guess you can have a sliver of cake,” KatieAnn teased.

“Hmph! I’ll take more than a sliver. I need to see it with these old eyes and taste it. I can’t taste a sliver.”

KatieAnn laughed and tore a paper towel off the roll stashed behind the counter. “Is this big enough?” She set a medium-sized piece of cake on the little table beside the elderly woman.

“It will do for a start.”

KatieAnn grinned and left Sallie to eat. She brushed off her hands and prepared to greet the first customer. If Miriam didn’t mention Wednesday, then she wouldn’t either.

The day was busy but relatively uneventful. Many Englischers wanted something unusual or handmade to give as Christmas gifts. KatieAnn had a few moments of panic when Clara Schwartz walked in under the dinging bell. She held her breath, waiting for Miriam to confide in Clara about Wednesday’s missing objects, but Miriam must have decided to keep mum about the whole business. Clara exhibited her usual scowl whenever KatieAnn happened to catch her eye, but KatieAnn did her best to remain pleasant. She forced her facial muscles to relax and even coaxed them into a weak smile. Nevertheless, she heaved a sigh of relief when Clara left with her small bag of purchases. She had the distinct feeling Clara only came into the store to check on her.

“That woman always looks like she’s eaten sour grapes,” Grossmammi Sallie called out. She puckered up her face in imitation.

“Now, Grossmammi, be nice.” Miriam tried to be stern but smiled through the admonition.

“I’m being truthful, Miriam.

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