A Shining Light Read Free

Adler.”
    Louise’s husband glanced at me and shook his head. “I been telling you to call me Bob ever since you moved into this place.”
    I forced my lips into an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Bob. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t appreciated all your kindness through the years.”
    He grinned. “Wish I could have done more for you and the boy. I’m sorry about Fred, but the Lord knows best. I probably shouldn’t say this, but you may be better off without him. He sure had a mean streak running through him when he was into the drink.”
    With a grunt, Mr. Adler heaved the last of my trunks from the room and headed down the stairs to a waiting wagon that would transport my son and me to the train station. I grasped Lukas by the hand and glanced around the room one final time.
    A rush of unexpected emotion gripped me. Not the feeling of anticipation I’d experienced years ago when leaving the farm with Fred, but one of sorrow for the wasted years that could have been filled with happiness and joy. Sadly, my only delight had been the arrival of our son. But like me, Lukas had been unable to please Fred, so even the joy of our son had been tempered by Fred’s anger and discontent.
    Lukas tugged on my hand. “Come on, Mama. The wagon will leave without us.”
    His childish voice tugged at my heart, and I squeezed his hand. “The driver will wait, but you’re right. We must hurry or we’ll miss the train.”
    Louise stood near the wagon and pulled me into a tight embrace before leaning down to kiss Lukas on the forehead. She motioned to her husband, who was holding a basket in one hand. “I’ve packed some food for the journey. Don’t argue with me—it’s the least we can do for you.”
    Lukas danced from foot to foot. “Is there bread and jam?”
    The older woman tousled his light brown hair. “Now, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t pack you some bread and jam? You be a good boy and help your mama. You’ve got a long way to travel, so you’ll need to behave.”
    â€œI will.” He bobbed his head. “I’m going to a farm and see lots of animals and meet my grandpa.”
    Mr. Adler hoisted the boy into the wagon and then assisted me. “Take good care and don’t eat all that bread and jam before the train pulls out of the station, Lukas.”
    â€œI won’t, Mr. Adler.” The boy grinned and waved as the wagon pulled away from the ramshackle tenement houses.
    If my son harbored any grief or sadness, he was keeping it well concealed. I hadn’t expected him to grieve the loss of his father, for Fred had never shown the boy any love. Nothing we had done ever pleased him, and though I believed his rants were no more than an excuse to justify his departure for the bars along the wharf, Fred had always blamed everything, from our poverty-stricken existence to his drunken stupors, on everyone but himself.
    â€œCost ya extra to have me take the trunks into the station, missus. Up to you.” Brows arched, the driver looked at me for further direction.
    â€œI’ll need you to take them inside.”
    He helped me down from the wagon but held out his hand for payment before unloading the trunks. I carefully counted out the money and waited to follow him inside, for I didn’t trust him any more than he trusted me, and I could ill afford to lose my few worldly possessions.
    Lukas’s excitement mounted as we walked into the busy train station. “Stay by my side,” I instructed while I purchased our tickets.
    The man behind the counter pointed the driver to the platform. “You can place her trunks and baggage out there on that loading area to the left of the doors.” Turning his attention back to me, he handed me our tickets. “That’s your train waiting out there. You and the boy can go ahead and