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“Oh, Anna, I am so sorry!” Miriam exclaimed once she could speak. Here sister-in-law’s face was pale, and her eyes were filled with sad tears.
Covering her face once again with her hands, Anna said, “I am so sorry my brother did this. I thought my father was the worst person in my family, but I guessed wrong. What could have made James like this?”
Asher ventured a guess. “It’s in the nature of some people, Anna. We don’t hold it against you that your brother is a criminal. The people of the district love you for who you are, and they will support you.”
Wayne nodded and spoke to his wife. “The people around here are wonderful. You must give them a chance. Do not go back to your old ways of hiding from people. Give them a chance to love you.”
Miriam had never heard such incredible support Wayne was giving his wife. She was proud of him. Pleased he was Levi’s brother. “Anna, I do not hold it against you that your brother shot Levi. You had nothing to do with this. James is the one to blame.
Anna went to Miriam’s bedside, hugging Miriam and breaking into sobs. “I am sorry, so sorry! I am afraid for you and your boppli. Levi has to wake up, he just has to!”
Miriam patted Anna on the back. “Everything will be alright. This is all in Gott’s hands, not ours. We must have faith he will see us through no matter what the outcome.”
After several minutes, everyone left when the nurse brought the babies into the room for another feeding. Miriam would be glad to be home and set her own schedule. What if Levi was not there. She wondered if she could carry on without him. Chiding herself not to think negatively, she burped her daughter, put her back in the plastic crib, and turned for her son. He looked like his father, right down to the tiny cleft in his chin.
Miriam smiled, then crawled back into bed to feed him.
***
Miriam was bored. After the nurse took her boppli away, she took a long shower and used the beautiful smelling body soap and shampoo. She loved feeling clean, and she became sharply awake.
Ruby brought her purple dress, and black apron to the hospital, On the bedside table, sat her prayer Kapp. Today she looked like herself instead of a post-surgery patient. Maybe Levi would wake up when she visited him. She wanted the first vision for him to see her in her ordinary dress. Dear Gott, please do not take Levi from us, we need him so much. I know you will care for us no matter what.”
She felt strong, so she walked toward the bank of elevators, and once Miriam pushed the up arrow, she had to wait this time. At least she knew where she was going. Today was the seventh day they had been at the hospital. The doctor said tomorrow she and the boppli were scheduled to go home.
The thoughts of it frightened her. She will be alone at the house. She was sure she had enough physical energy, but emotionally, she was spent.
The elevator door opened, and she walked inside and was whisked up to the ICU. When she arrived at Levi’s room, the curtains were pulled across the glass. Miriam’s heart rate increased. All she could think of was that something was wrong with Levi.
The doctor stood at the foot of his bed, and she could not see him. Her heart raced with fear. “Oh, doctor! What is there another problem with Levi?”
The woman stepped aside, and Miriam saw her husband in a sitting position supported by the head of the bed. “Levi!”
Miriam ran past the doctor and to her husband's side. “You are awake.”
He smiled slightly. And raised his arms. Miriam gently slid between them and gave him a hug. “I am not hurting you, am I?”
He shook his head. “Nee, it is wonderful to take the vision of you into my heart.” Suddenly his eyes grew wide. “The boppli, how is he, or she? Is it not too early?”
“The doctor said, right on time.”
Levi’s grin filled his face. “Did you give him a name?
“I wanted to wait until you woke up so we could name both of them.”
Levi let out a breath, and his eyes grew wide. “Both?”
“Jah! You have both a son and a daughter.”
***
Two weeks later, Asher drove Levi home from the hospital. On the way, the men discussed the horse thieves. Ash told Levi the men were being moved to Lancaster. Lawyers feared the case might be dropped, never to come to trial in Amish country since their creed was forgiveness.
“It is so hard for me to forgive, Asher. I know I am called to do so, but I fear it will take a long time for this to happen.”
“I’m glad you came through your surgery. Will you have any long-term problems from being shot?”
“Nee, but my doctor wants me to take it easy for the rest of the month. I am going to need help from my brother even more.”
Asher turned onto the drive leading to Levi and Miriam’s home. Once he stopped the car, he told Levi to stay seated. Then he went around to the passenger side of the car and helped his friend out.
Levi ambled up the back steps with Asher’s help. Entering the kitchen, Levi called out to Miriam, and she raced into the kitchen. “Levi! You are here.” She pulled out a chair at the table then continued to help him sit down.
“I have kaffe. Can I get you both some?”
“Jah!” Levi interjected.
“Jah!” Asher repeated as well. With an uncomfortable grin.
Miriam laughed. “You are coming back to your Amish ways, Asher?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think I could ever come back for good, but I try to help my dad when I can.”
Aaric and Bea began to fuss and cry. Levi stood and looked toward the front room. “You have the cradles in there?”
“Jah, I want them near all the time.”
Asher stood. “I’m leaving you two to enjoy your family. I’m so glad you’re home now, Levi,” Asher said and gave his friend a hug. “Call me if you guys need anything. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you, Asher. I hope you have a quiet night of police business. You deserve it after all the horse thieving.” Miriam said lightly.
Levi nodded, then turned with Miriam to tend the boppli. The back door closed, as Miriam and Levi went to the little ones.
Levi looked down at the boppli, and they both looked up at their parents. Just their presence in the room quieted the tiny ones. “They must be lonely for our attention, and they know their Daed is back.”
Levi wrapped his arms around Miriam, and they stood there, taking in the sight of what their love created.
Levi whispered solemnly, “Gott, thank you for saving my life to share with my family. We will honor you in our home and send prayers of thanks to you with our every breath.”
THE END