Yesterday's Woes by Jane O'Brien

Author:Jane O'Brien [O'Brien, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-23T22:00:00+00:00

1881

Ruth and Mavis walked hand in hand down the street. They were heading to their favorite spot, the train depot bench.

“I’m so glad your father let you take some time for lunch,” said Ruth.

“Me, too, but I only have a hunk of ham and some hard tack. It’s all we have left.”

“Are you in need of food, Mavis?”

“The larder is getting low. With so many mouths to feed, it’s hard to keep supplies in the house, and even though we live so near the mercantile, we can’t afford to go there for every little need. We always plant a garden out back, but apparently we didn’t plan well enough for the hard winter.”

“Yes, our stock is dwindling too, but luckily it’s spring now. Soon there will be early crops to harvest. And besides working at Miss Mercy’s, I always have plenty to eat. I brought us a great dessert, bread pudding. I know it’s your favorite.”

“Miss Mercy makes the best. Plenty of cinnamon and vanilla. Can I skip lunch and go straight to the dessert?”

Ruth laughed. “You’re always the same, Mavis. You want the best for yourself, but you’re too anxious to wait for the proper time. Eat your ham for strength, then dessert.”

The young women arrived at their destination and were pleased to see that no one else was sitting there.

“One of these days my prince will come. He’ll step off of that train and whisk me away with him. If that ever happens, I won’t wait one second to go with him,” said Mavis with resolve.

“I’m ready to agree with you. I’ve given up on Ned. He’s completely in love with Patricia Hawkins. Anyone can see it.”

“I’m sorry, Ruthie. I know how long you waited for him, but some things just aren’t right. I think God has other plans for you.”

“I sure hope so. I’m ready to have a man love me.”

Mavis sighed. “Me, too. Look! Here comes the train. Maybe our man will be on this one.”

They sat up straight, smoothed their dresses, and patted their hair in anticipation of the next man who would exit the train. Once again they were disappointed to find the usual married salesmen passing through to their next stop, and one older couple they knew who were returning from a visit with their grandchildren.

Ruth smiled optimistically at Mavis. “Next time.”

“Next time,” she repeated, but her frown indicated that she no longer believed it to be true.

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