“But it is hard, Da. It’s the hardest thing I’ve had to face since losing Mother. You tell me there’s nothing to help with this problem, but I can’t let that be the end of it. I’m certain there must be something we can do.”
“I wish there were, but Doc has already tried to find other answers, and there aren’t any to be had. Now, what I needfrom ya is to be strong. We can’t be stoppin’ what’s going to happen, but we can walk this journey together ... or I can walk it alone.”
“No! I won’t let you walk it alone. You know I won’t.”
“Then be me strength. Be strong in the Lord.”
A thought came to her just then. “Does Charlie know?”
“Aye. I told him. We’ve been talkin’ about all sorts of things since I first met him. I like Charlie a great deal. I think he’s a good man. Honorable and godly. He’s helpin’ me with the money that’s comin’ from Ireland. There will be an account set up to take care of yar needs.”
She didn’t care about the money. It wouldn’t keep Da alive. Hearing that Charlie knew about her father but said nothing bothered her. How long had he known? The thought of him lying to her was more than Melody wanted to consider. She hated to think Charlie would keep something that important from her.
She got to her feet and swallowed down the lump in her throat. After dealing with Mr. Oberling and the dog and now this, she felt the need for a long cry. Of course, she couldn’t have it. Not in front of Da.
“I’m going to go see Marybeth. She said she’d have some eggs for us today. Do you think you might be able to eat some?”
“I’m not hungry, darlin’. But ya should go ahead and see yar friend. Maybe she can bring ya some comfort.”
Melody looked at him for a long moment. “I can ... stay if you need me to.”
“Gracious no. Go on with ya. And go to supper with Charlie tonight. Ya’ll be needin’ him now more than ever.”
She almost wished she’d never asked for the truth. If she hadn’t asked she could pretend nothing was wrong. Never in all of her thoughts had she figured anything could be this bad.
She made her way to Marybeth’s, where she found her outside with Carrie. They were hanging up clothes. Carrie, only two years old, was handing Marybeth clothespins and laughing. She was such a happy child.
Melody joined them and immediately went to work helping Marybeth with the laundry. Her friend gave a nod, but Melody said nothing. She was almost afraid to open her mouth. What if she started to cry in front of Carrie?
Marybeth picked up the last of the things, a large sheet. “Glad to have your help.” She glanced at Melody and frowned. Melody looked away and pinned the sheet in place.
“Carrie, it’s time to go inside for your nap. You bring the clothespins, and I’ll get the basket.”
“Don’t wanna nap.” Carrie pointed to Melody. “Wanna play wit Melody.”
“Not today. You take a good nap, and I’ll let you help me make cookies when you wake up.”
“Cookies!” Carrie clapped her hands. “I get cookies.”
“Yes, but first bring the clothespins and take a nap.” They headed to the house with Carrie nearly running. The bag of clothespins thankfully had a drawstring that kept them from spilling out as she ran.
Once Marybeth had Carrie put to bed, she motioned Melody to sit in the front room and joined her. “What’s wrong? I can see in your eyes that something isn’t right.”
“Oh, it’s all more than I can bear.” The tears came again. “Marybeth, my father is dying.”
“What?”
“You know I’ve been worried about him being sick. Today he was finally honest with me about it. Apparently, his kidneys are failing. The doctor says there is nothing to be done. Da said he doesn’t have much time.”
“How can this be?”
“I don’t know.” Melody shook her head and let the tears fall. “What will I do without him?”
“You have us. We won’t let you be alone. In fact, I bet if I ask Edward, he’d go and talk to your father about moving in here with us. That way you could take care of him in his ... his ... final days. And I could help as well.”
“Da would never come here. He wouldn’t allow himself to be that kind of burden.” Melody sniffed back tears. “I just can’t believe this is happening. Why would God take him from me? Where is the good in that?”
“I’ve often asked myself that question about losing my mother, stepmother, and father,” Marybeth replied. “It hasn’t even been a year since my father died, and I miss him very much. Seems you and I have a lot in common.”
