Hannah's Journey Read Free

need someone who can help lift her.”
    The woman looked at the tag pinned to her dress. “Are you strong, Hannah?”
    Gathering her courage, Hannah found her voice. “No, I’m not strong at all. I have something wrong with my leg.” Pulling her skirt up, she revealed the cumbersome brace.
    “I’m so sorry, Hannah, I didn’t realize.” Her face stricken, the woman replied. “But we must have someone who can help lift our daughter. I’m unable to do so by myself.” Shaking her head, she repeated, “I’m very sorry, Hannah.”
    Hannah breathed deep, her relief mixed with the sympathy she felt for the kindly woman. The girl climbed back on the train. Feeling grateful, she sank into the wooden seat. Resting her head against the cushions, she thought about Texas. With Teddy so anxious to get there, Texas must be a wonderful place to live.
    Letting her mind drift, Hannah thought of her family and relived the happy times. With Miss Sutton’s words ringing in her head, Hannah made a decision. If she were alone in this world, she’d do her best to work hard, and show kindness to others. And, as soon as she could, she’d find a way to search for Papa.
    Her mind made up, Hannah closed her eyes. Soon, she dreamed she, Mama and Papa visited the circus, laughing at the antics of the clowns.
    Early the next morning, the conductor cried, “First stop, Lafitte, Texas.” Hannah and the others left on board tumbled from the train into the bright April sunlight. Hannah looked up and gasped at the biggest, bluest sky she had ever seen.
    Looking around, she tried to take everything in at once. Strange looking trees lined the road close to the railroad station. Miss Sutton had made this trip before, and told Hannah the trees were called pines. Their sharp scent tickled Hannah’s nose. A nearby meadow, covered with a blanket of blue flowers, reflected the hues of the sky. Birds chirped, and from the distance came the neighing of a horse. No tall buildings marred the view, just open spaces as far as she could see. Taking a deep breath, Hannah fell in love with Texas.
    She peppered Miss Sutton with questions, wanting to know the names of the flowers and why she could see no houses, and if the weather was always so warm and sunny.
    “Give me a moment, Hannah, and I’ll answer your questions.” Miss Sutton smiled. “The flowers are called bluebonnets. People in Texas are very proud of them. There are many houses just a short distance away. And, I’m sure Texas has plenty of cold, rainy days in the winter. Not as cold as New York, but still quite chilly.”
    “Oh, how I wish Teddy could see this.”
    The sound of voices caused Hannah to turn back to the station platform. A group of people walked toward the remaining children. Hannah was anxious now to find a home in this lovely part of the country. The sooner she found a family, the sooner she could start her search.
    She watched as the people approached. Deciding to meet them halfway, Hannah stepped forward. Several smiles seemed to disappear as she limped toward them. Embarrassed at the thought of taking another step, Hannah stood rooted to the spot, twisting her hands, her face hot.
    A light touch on her shoulder made Hannah look up into the loveliest face she had ever seen. Holding out her hand, this vision smiled and said, “Hello, I’m Margaret Logan, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”
    Hardly daring to hope, the girl answered, “How do you do? I’m Hannah Monroe.” How beautiful, Hannah thought. Could she be the one? Biting her lip and holding her breath, Hannah stared into eyes that looked like dark brown velvet.
    “Could we sit down and talk, Hannah? I’d like to know all about you.”
    Hannah managed a nod. Her eyes never left Mrs. Logan’s face. Sitting on the station bench, the two soon chatted like old friends. Once more Hannah repeated her story. Mrs. Logan looked sympathetic as Hannah recounted her sad week. The kind face caused Hannah to pray again.