Umber (53.4 — Ervin’s Story)

I could see that Vera could use some help.  I tried to convince her to let me pack up their stuff in the truck, and move them back to Kearney.  There was a big hospital there, and I was sure she could find a job.

“And,” I said, “I know for a fact that Uncle Orville would welcome you back home.  We’ve all missed you, Verey.  And Elm Creek would be a good place for your little daughter to grow up.”

Vera was hesitant, but I could tell she was tempted to agree with my plan.  To convince her, I reminded her how miraculous it was that I’d been led right to her front door without even knowing where I was going; surely Divine Providence had a hand in such a marvelous occurrence.  “You don’t always have to suffer to be a good person, Verey.  Sometimes it’s best to take the more pleasant path forward.

She studied at the statues on the sideboard in her dining room, then said at last, “Ervin, if you are willing to help us, I will be eternally grateful.  She laughed, and the sound seemed to startle the child and the old lady.  “Oleander, Brigid,” she told them, “we’re going to do some traveling.”