The Shunning Read Free Page B

No, from where he stood, it seemed almost shiny— too fussy for the bed coverings Katie often made with Mary Stoltzfus and their many girl cousins and friends down Hickory Lane.
    Unsure as to what to do, he stood there watching as Katie whimpered within arms’ reach. As far as he could remember, he’d never touched his sister except when they’d played together as youngsters. He wasn’t sure he ought to now. Besides—all bent over that way—she wasn’t looking at him, hadn’t seen him come up. She’d probably jump right out of her skin if he touched her.
    While Benjamin was still wondering what to do, Eli peeked over the opening in the floor, his blue eyes wide. “Psst, Ben,” he whispered. “What’s-a-matter with her?”
    About that time, Katie began to stir. Wiping her tear-streaked face with her long apron, she seemed oblivious for a moment. Then she turned toward them, and in the lantern’s glow, Ben could tell that she was trembling. “Mam’s waitin’ supper,” he said, eyeing her carefully.
    Katie leaned on the trunk, pushing herself to a standing position, and Ben put out a hand to help her. “It’s freezin’ cold up here,” he said. “Why’dja stay so long?”
    Katie ignored his outstretched hand along with his question and adjusted her kapp. Then slowly, she straightened until she stood tall and erect, her jawline rigid. “I’m coming down, so scram, both of you!”
    Ben and Eli did as they were told and scuffled down the ladder— Ben, still thinking about Katie’s tears. He’d heard about women getting all weepy-eyed before a wedding. His oldest brother, Elam, had said something like that just last year, several days before he and his bride tied the knot.
    He scratched his head, puzzled. Tears must mean Katie’ll be missin’ us come next week , he decided. He broke into a grin. Wouldn’t do to let on to Katie what he was thinking, though. The way she was acting, there was no telling what she’d say. Or do.

Two

    K atie took her time leaving the attic room. She waited until her brothers were out of sight, then reopened the trunk and returned the baby garment to its original spot.
    Downstairs, after washing her face and hands repeatedly, Katie took her usual place at the supper table—to the right of her mother. “Sorry, Dat . . Mamma.” Her face felt flushed, her eyes puffy.
    Of course, she wouldn’t lie. But she had no intention of explaining the real reason for her delay. No one must ever know of her dreadful obsession. Known sin required confession—she knew that. Good for the soul, maybe, but impossible under the circumstances. Confession would mean turning away, never again repeating the transgression. . . .
    The fact that Katie hadn’t looked either of them in the eye troubled Rebecca. Samuel didn’t seem to notice, though. He bowed his head for the silent blessing without the slightest reference to Katie’s tardiness.
    After the “Amen,” Samuel served himself first, then Eli and Benjamin wasted no time digging in to the heaping bowl of buttered potatoes. When the ham platter was passed, everyone took hearty portions. Next came lima beans, and chow-chow—a sweet bean relish—cut creamed corn, and bread with apple butter. A fat slice of raisin spice cake topped off the meal.
    An occasional belch from Eli and Samuel signaled that Rebecca’s efforts had been a success. Aside from that, there was only the scrape of cutlery against plastic plates, the satisfied grunts of the men, the homey sound of a fire crackling in the woodstove.
    From time to time, Rebecca risked a sidelong glance at Katie. The girl hadn’t spoken a word since she sat down. What’s ailin’ her? Rebecca wondered, thoughts churning. But it was the fear gnawing at her stomach that brought on the indigestion.
    Eventually, Samuel leaned back and folded his arms across his chest, his gesture indicating that he was finished eating. At first, Rebecca wasn’t certain he was going to speak. Finally, in