The hired driver dropped her off in the driveway turnaround, accepted payment, and lifted her bag from the trunk. A mercury vapor light burned in the barn’s eave, casting a yellow circle of light on the yard. “What if they’re not here?” asked Michelle. “Maybe I’d better wait to make sure.” She stepped into her van but rolled down the window. “I’m certain they are home. I wrote that I was coming. Maybe they already went to bed.” Rachel waved goodbye to her before climbing the steps to the porch, dragging her heavy suitcase. Just as she opened the screen door, lights snapped on inside the kitchen. The sweet face of her cousin Sarah appeared in the doorway. “There you are at long last. I’d given up hope for tonight. I’m sure you’re exhausted. Are you also hungry?” Rachel felt her stiff muscles relax with the warm welcome. “I am tired but not hungry, and I’m very glad to be here. When I saw no light on in the house, I thought grossmammi was wrong about your using electricity.”
