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The sound of a vehicle crunching through the snow on the driveway caught Valerie’s attention and she stopped her brushing of the ponies to go see who it was. She had to push her way out of the circle of ponies since they were all crowding around her to get scratches and brushed, and most likely, because she had carrot pieces in her pocket that she handed out now and again as a bribe.
Two doors slammed as Valerie got closer and, rounding the goat barn, she saw two women heading for the house, hands full of...something.
“Good afternoon,” she called.
They turned. One was familiar, the other less so, but not a complete stranger. Liddy from the general store and...Valerie couldn’t place the beautiful woman, blond hair in a long braid across her shoulder in front, and a petite face with long lashes and big blue eyes. Valerie would have found it easy to dislike her on sight, but the kindness in her eyes and the smile pulling on her full lips promised she was much kinder than one expected someone with that type of beauty to be.
Liddy was carrying something, but managed to get one arm free to wrap around Valerie.
“We heard what happened,” she said, squeezing tight.
“And we wanted to see what we can do to help you out around here,” the other woman said, offering a big, friendly smile in lieu of a hug. Valerie had the distinct feeling she knew this woman, but couldn’t place her.
“We also brought some food and are here to help with whatever needs to be done,” Liddy added.
“Oh, wow.” Valerie touched her chest, grateful for their kindness. “That’s so nice of you. Come on in.” She led them to the house, opening the doors so they could get in with their items.
Once they were inside, with the food on the kitchen counter, Valerie offered them something to drink, but they declined.
“What do you need help with?” the other woman, the one who seemed so familiar it was driving Valerie nuts, asked.
“Actually, I already fed and watered the animals and have done some pen cleaning, so I think we’re all set.”
They both stared at her, mouths agape.
“What?”
“Well, we just thought...” Liddy trailed off and looked to her friend for help.
“You haven’t been here in so long and, being a city girl, we thought you would need a ton of help without Martha here. Plus, we were hoping you’d update us on how Martha is,” the other woman said bluntly.
Valerie almost laughed. It was true. She would have been surprised herself only a week ago if she knew she’d be by herself, doing all this and actually getting it done.
Liddy put up a hand as if trying to placate and said, “Not that there’s anything wrong with being a city girl. It’s just that life here is so different and difficult many times and working a farm is so much hard work...”
Valerie stepped forward and gave her a hug, silencing Liddy’s attempt at softening her friend’s words. She then gave the other woman a hug, and when she stepped back, she offered an apologetic smile. “Can you tell me your name? You’re so familiar, but I just can’t place why. I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. I should have introduced myself. I’m Kenzie, Kenzie Chelsky. I was two years behind you in high school.”
“That’s right!” Valerie beamed. They hadn’t been friends but had always been friendly, as was the story with most of the students in the small-sized high school. “Okay, so back to business. Martha is doing well. She had a lot of tests, and she should be released in another couple of days.”
Kenzie threw her head back. “Thank God.”
Liddy clapped, beaming a smile. “That’s wonderful news. We’d be brokenhearted if anything happened to Martha.”
“She’s a light in our community for sure,” Kenzie agreed.
“I’ll let her know you asked after her.” Valerie bit the inside of her cheek to keep emotion from overwhelming her in front of them.
“What about you? How are you holding up? It’s great that you have everything done for the animals, but do you need help with anything else? Do you want us to come tomorrow?” Liddy asked.
“I’m...” Valerie was about to blow off the question with the canned I’m fine response, but she wanted to be as real with them as they’d been with her. “It was rough. I was terrified. But after talking with Martha, the relief is beyond what I can describe. Honestly, I think it’s why I got through taking care of everything around here by myself. The relief gave me energy to get it all done for her.”
Liddy was nodding, eyes big as she listened.
“I nearly lost my dad to an accident a year ago. I feel what you’re saying,” Kenzie agreed.
The women chatted several more minutes and Valerie was asked again if she needed anything before they left. She thanked them profusely and resolved to tell Martha what amazing neighbors she had.
Darkness would fall soon, so she pulled her outerwear on again and trooped out for the second feeding of the day.