Promise Kept by Cara C. Putman

Author:Cara C. Putman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-11-05T00:00:00+00:00

Twelve

“Cassandra, time for breakfast.”

Silence answered the words. Josie tiptoed down the hall to Cassandra’s small room. Cassandra lay on her side, curled around her doll, tears streaming down her cheeks. Josie watched a moment, unsure what to do but knowing she wanted to comfort the poor child. She eased into the room and knelt beside the bed. She stroked the child’s tangled curls. “Sweetie. I’m so sorry.”

Cassandra’s silent tears turned to sobs that wracked her small frame. “I want my mum.”

“I know, darling. I so wish you could be with her.” Josie struggled for words as tears threatened to overflow her eyes. “You must miss her.”

“Awfully.” The word shuddered from Cassandra. She scrubbed her face and tried to sit up. “Sorry, ma’am. I’ll stop crying.” Tears continued to stream, and Josie reached out to swipe one away but stilled when the child flinched.

Josie cleared her throat. “Should we write her a letter today? Let her know how you are?”

The little girl nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Let’s get you some breakfast. Then we’ll get out some paper and pencils. I know she’d love to get mail from you.”

“But the post won’t deliver it for ever so long.”

“Maybe. But we can keep sending letters, knowing she’ll read them eventually. And with each letter, she’ll be so happy to know what you’re doing and that you’re safe.”

Cassandra frowned. “I haven’t done much.”

“Then we’ll change that.”

The conversation played through Josie’s mind during breakfast, chores, and the balance of the day. She and Art needed to do something to give the child plenty to fill letters. Even simple outings would fit the bill. When Art arrived home and Cassandra was settled for the night, Josie sat on the couch next to him, ready to plan their attack.

“We really need to do something to occupy her mind. The child is focused almost exclusively on what’s happening at home.”

“That’s natural, I’d imagine.”

“Probably true, but it will be easier for her if we can give her things to anticipate.”

“Okay.” Art pulled at his pockets playfully. “Remember, we aren’t made of money.”

“I know, but maybe your family would help, especially since Cassandra is part of the family.”

“I’d rather not ask.”

Josie snuggled closer to his side. “Okay. I’ll keep the outings inexpensive.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Things like the Sunlite Pool, movies, ice cream. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. The library every day won’t satisfy her. She told me she hadn’t done anything that she could tell her mom about.”

Art laughed as he wrapped an arm around Josie. “Not everyone takes pleasure in libraries like you, darling.”

“Definitely their loss.”

“Maybe. These other options sound good as long as we spread them out with things like picnics or outings to the parks.”

“Then we’ll start this weekend. A movie and some ice cream. Maybe we can even find Pinocchio playing somewhere.” Josie tipped her head and kissed his cheek. He turned and claimed her lips. Josie relaxed into his kiss.

❧

Saturday morning Art woke slowly. It felt good to relax without the pressures of work weighing on him.

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