“I’m concerned because Melinda’s been acting kind of strange.”

Mama’s eyebrows lifted as a deep wrinkle formed above her nose. “Strange in what way?”

“Besides the fact that I have to stay after Melinda to get her chores done because she’s too busy tending her animal friends, she seems to be off in her own little world. It’s like her thoughts are somewhere else most of the time.”

“I think you need to be more patient with Melinda. From what I can tell, she and Gabe Swartz are getting serious. I think it’s just a matter of time until they become betrothed.” Mama smiled. “Once that happens, I’m sure Melinda will settle down and act more like the mature woman you want her to be.”

Faith poured herself a cup of tea and took a sip. “I hope you’re right about that, Mama. Jah, I surely do.”

Susie had gone a short ways into the woods when she spotted Melinda sitting on a log with her drawing tablet. Susie was tempted to scold her niece for wasting time and trying to get out of work she should be doing, but she figured if she said too much, she and Melinda would probably end up arguing. Ever since Melinda had been a young girl, she had enjoyed spending time with animals. Susie used to think that once Melinda grew up, she would focus on the important things in life. But no, Melinda kept drawing and daydreaming, shirking her duties at the house, and causing her mother to send Susie after her on many occasions.

A twig snapped as Susie took a step toward the log. She halted and held her breath. Should she sneak up on Melinda and take her by surprise or make a loud noise so Melinda would know she was coming? Deciding on the latter, Susie moved closer and cleared her throat.

Melinda, engrossed in her artwork, didn’t budge.

Susie held her hands above Melinda’s head and clapped. “Hey!”

Melinda jumped, and the deer she’d been drawing bolted into the protection of the thick pine forest.

“Thanks a lot!” Melinda spun around and glared at Susie. “You’ve scared away my subjects, and they probably won’t be back. Leastways not anytime soon.”

“Sorry about that,” Susie mumbled. She glanced at Melinda’s drawing tablet and couldn’t help but be impressed with what she saw. Despite the fact that Melinda drew well, was it really necessary to spend every free moment—and some time that was stolen—sketching her woodland friends?

Melinda stood and shook her finger at Susie. “I don’t think you’re one bit sorry. You look rather pleased with yourself, Susie Stutzman. I’ll bet you clapped and hollered like that on purpose, just to scare away my subjects. Didn’t you?”

Susie nodded slowly.

“Why?”

“Because your mamm has been looking for you, and your mamm and my mamm need our help baking pies for Sunday after church at my folks’ house.”