Both girls sat quietly as they headed down the driveway and out onto the two-lane road, with Shirley at the reins. As the horse settled into a rhythmic pace, Shirley’s thoughts drifted to the letter they’d received from Mamm. She’d reported that several girls had asked about her at the last Sunday service and said they really missed her. Otherwise there had been just the usual happenings in Possum Valley. Daett and Lee had repaired a leak on the barn roof at Mr. Bland’s place. Beyond that, Mamm had wished them the Lord’s blessings and hoped everything was going well. Seated beside her in the buggy, Miriam repeated the instructions Aunt Fannie had given them before they left the house. “Two miles south on 48, then turn left and go just over the little bridge. There will be no sign or road name, but the Troyer place is the third on the left. There will be plenty of buggies parked in the lawn. You can’t miss it.” Shirley held the reins tight. “I wish you’d allowed Wayne to bring us…or at least we could have followed him.
