With Thanksgiving approaching rapidly, Anna thought again of Harvey and Joe. Had they ever enjoyed a wonderful gut Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones all around? Did they have family somewhere? If they did have family, were their families aware they were living on the streets?
She realized she didn’t know anything about the two men, nor did they know much about her. But how familiar did she want to get with perfect strangers? Yet, they didn’t seem like strangers to her; they felt more like old friends.
Anna wondered what Mammi would say if she knew she’d been feeding strangers – two homeless men at that. She was certain Mammi would worry and put an abrupt stop to her activities. But how could she just walk on by and pretend Joe and Harvey didn’t exist? She could not. It seemed that her interaction with Joe and Harv had not only changed her thoughts, but her heart as well.
She wished she could invite Harvey and Joe into her home for Thanksgiving, but was certain Mammi would not approve. Anna knew Mammi already worried about her enough. How much more anxious would she be if Anna brought home two scruffy male guests?
Anna sighed, wondering what the Lord would have her do. She’d have to pray on it for sure and for certain.
<><><>
Joe had been toying with the idea for a while. Ever since he’d had that conversation with Linda, if fact. How could he help Anna out? She’d been so kind to him and Harv and he desired to pay her back somehow. If his idea worked, he’d be helping out both Anna and Linda at the same time, but he’d have to move fast. He determined to talk to Linda today to get her permission, then he’d set the wheels in motion as soon as possible.
<><><>
“Oh look, it’s snowing outside!” Anna smiled, remembering the fond times she and her siblings had growing up. The first snow of the season was always a welcome treat – at least it was for Anna. She’d always run outside and try to catch as many snowflakes in her mouth as possible. She was tempted to do it now, but it would have to wait for a more appropriate time. Still, the desire kindled inside her soul.
Linda stood at her side and peered out the window. “It sure is. You’d better leave early tonight.”
“I’ll be all right,” Anna assured. “The buggy usually does just fine in the snow. And I know Brazen likes the cold weather.”
“You’re sure? Because I could give you a ride if it begins snowing too heavily.”
“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I’ve driven in the snow many times.” Anna took her seat behind the counter again and picked up her knitting basket. “Do you think the snow will slow our sales?” She attempted to keep the concern out of her tone, but apparently Linda had picked up on it anyway.
“Inevitably.” Linda shared an understanding glance with Anna.
“I was hoping that at least one of Mammi’s quilts would sell.”
“I really wish I could pay you more, Anna, but it’s just not feasible,” Linda said. “I’ll understand if you need to find a job elsewhere that brings in more income.”
Anna had considered that option in the past, but she enjoyed working with Linda. Besides, there weren’t too many places that would hire a woman with only an eighth grade education. If there were, the pay wouldn’t be much different than working at Threads of Beauty. Perhaps she could take on a second job. But if she did, who would tend to all the chores on the farm?
As Anna silently deliberated over these issues, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made a mistake by dismissing Aaron’s proposal. What if she and Mammi couldn’t make ends meet and they lost the farm? Being married to Aaron and having a roof over her and Mammi’s heads was certainly better than the alternative. Not that she and Mammi would be out on the streets like Harvey and Joe. No, the Amish took care of their own. She knew she and Mammi would be welcomed into the home of another Amish family, if need be. But she just couldn’t wrap the thought of being married to Aaron around her mind – or her heart.
<><><>
If Joe had known it was going to snow today, he wouldn’t have traveled so far from ‘home.’ But he had to make a trip to the library to see if his idea was even possible. Linda had been very accommodating and had even agreed to keep Anna oblivious to his clandestine activities. At first Linda had seemed skeptical, but she eventually consented to his proposition. After all, she wasn’t really in a position to decline something that could potentially grow her business by leaps and bounds – which is exactly what Joe had hoped would eventually happen.
Up ahead, flashing lights from a buggy stranded on the side of the road brought back unwanted memories. An image of Mary lying in the ditch flashed in his mind. No!
Without another thought, he rushed to the buggy. “Are you all right?” he blurted, out of breath from his mad dash to reach the buggy. He looked up and peered into familiar eyes. “Anna?”
“Ach, Joe. I’m so thankful it’s you. I think my wheel is stuck.” She moved to get down from her seat, but Joe quickly halted her.
“No. You stay there,” he insisted. “I’ll try to get it out. Keep hold of the reins.” He quickly moved to the back wheel and noticed snow had now covered over half of it. He tried pushing first, but it wouldn’t budge. He’d have to dig it out. It was times like this a shovel would come in handy.
As though reading his thoughts, Anna called to him from the front and informed him that she kept a small shovel in the box in back of the buggy. He opened the back flap and found the shovel. With the snow falling fast, Joe knew he had to work quickly or they’d both be found frozen to death by morning. Of course, he’d never allow that to happen to sweet Anna.
<><><>
Anna watched out the side buggy flap while Joe continued to shovel snow. What had he been doing out on the highway? Not that she had any inkling what he usually did on a daily basis. Now she was curious, though.
“I found the culprit,” Joe grinned, holding up a large rock. He threw it to the side. “And the snow didn’t help either.”
“Thank you, Joe. I really appreciate your help. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along.” She scooted over and patted the seat next to her. “Let me give you a ride back to town.”
Joe nodded in appreciation and stepped into the buggy. The closed flaps blocked out most of the cold around them, but it was still chilly. Anna looked forward to standing in front of the woodstove at home. But what about Joe and Harvey? How did they stay warm – or even alive – on nights like this?
“Where were you going? If you don’t mind my asking.” Anna voiced her thoughts.
“Home. I…uh…had some errands to run,” he said, not bothering to expound.
“Oh.” Anna didn’t feel like she should pry anymore. It wasn’t any of her business what errands Joe was running. “I was going home.”
Joe chuckled. “I kinda figured that.”
“Joe, I…” Anna’s voice trailed off. She wasn’t sure how appropriate it would be to ask about his past.
“Did you want to say something?” He quirked an eyebrow.
“Well, you and Harvey…how did you end up on the streets?” She glanced at Joe, then focused her attention back on the road. It seemed the snow had begun falling a little faster.
“Honestly, I don’t know too much about Harv. He pretty much keeps things to himself. But I know he’s been through a lot.”
“So you are not related to him?”
Joe laughed. “No. I met Harv about two years ago – that’s when I stumbled into town. He had a problem with alcohol. I think he picked up the habit after he returned from Vietnam. He’s a lot different now.”
“I’ve never seen him drink.”
“He doesn’t anymore. I kind of took care of that. Anytime he’d bring home alcohol, I’d dump it out. Boy, did he get upset about that! But he was ruining his life and I couldn’t watch him do that.” Joe rubbed his hands together. “Harv has become a good friend to me.”
Anna smiled. “I can tell.”
“Sure, we tease each other and all, but I kinda feel like were kin now.”
“And what about you? What’s your story?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to pry. I just…” Anna thought a moment. “Would you mind me asking your age?”
“Twenty-five. And you?”
“Twenty-two,” Anna answered, then tried to picture him without his facial hair. “I’d never guess you’re only twenty-five; you look so much older. I’m sorry, that didn’t come out right.”
Joe laughed. “I guess this scraggly beard does make me look old.”
Anna maneuvered the buggy down the street to where the alley was located. “There’s Harvey. It looks like he might be worried.”
“Yeah, he tends to do that.”
She pulled Brazen’s reins, bringing the buggy to a stop. “Thank you for helping me, Joe.”
“No problem.” Joe placed a caring hand over hers. “You’re freezing. Come and warm up a little bit before you head home. I’m sure Harvey has a fire going.”
“A fire?”
“You better believe it!” Harvey bellowed, offering Anna a hand to help her down. “How do you think we folks stay alive out here? Come, fair lady, and warm yourself by the fire for the journey home.”
Anna allowed the older man to assist her, and Joe quickly moved to tether the horse. Harvey led her to a round metal trash receptacle where a small fire blazed. She briefly wondered if they’d ever been given a citation for having a fire in town. Perhaps the law enforcement officers had mercy on the destitute. What else could they have done to keep themselves warm?
Joseph soon joined Anna and Harvey and they each took a turn sharing a happy memory involving wintertime activities. Anna felt their hearts knit together each day she spent time with them; it almost felt as though Harvey and Joe had become her family.
Anna knew she shouldn’t stay long because she didn’t want Mammi to become concerned. She rubbed her hands together, enjoying the fire’s warmth for a few more minutes. “I need to go now. My grandmother will worry if I am not home soon,” Anna said reluctantly. It would’ve been nice to spend more time with Harvey and Joe and get to know them better.
“Oh no, it’s snowing way too much. You’ll get stuck in a blizzard,” Harvey protested.
“I’ll drive her home,” Joe volunteered.
“But I –” Anna began to protest.
“That’s an excellent idea, Joe!” Harvey’s face lit up and he turned to Anna. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if I didn’t know you’d made it home safely. All right you two, hurry and get out of here before this weather gets worse.”