Page 20 of Wagon Train Melody
“Come on, Bo.” She took his hand and led him to the wagon. He crawled into the back, curled up on the mattress and closed his eyes.
She moved to the side of the wagon and closed her eyes, stifling sobs.
Rudy joined her.
“This isn’t my brother,” She jerked the words out.
“He’s awake. That’s a good sign.”
She rocked her head back and forth.
“Alice, God answers prayer.”
His words surprised her.
He must have noticed her startled expression for he chuckled. “I told you I know how to pray.” He took her hands, and she didn’t protest. She might even have welcomed the strength of his grasp.
“Lord, thank You that Bo is awake. Please restore his mind completely. Guard us and guide us. Amen.”
The simple words flowed through Alice, calming her, giving her peace. “Thank you,” she whispered. Then, realizing she still held his hands, she dropped them and moved aside.
“Auntie,” Sissy called. “Can we ride in the back? We won’t bother Uncle Bo. Promise. Pleeeeease.”
Alice considered her answer. The girls were tired of riding on the bench. She was tired of being cooped up in the back. The idea of having another adult to talk to was appealing. If Bo grew restless, she’d get Rudy to stop the wagon and she’d go to him.
“I think that would be fine.”
The girls climbed over the back of the seat and Rudy helped Alice up then sat beside her and they were on their way.
She settled back. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“We’ll have to trust God for the outcome.”
“Sometimes I don’t like the outcomes.”
He patted her hand. “Life hasn’t been easy for you.”
“Nor for you.”
“It feels more normal for me though.”
“You mean because of the way you grew up?” She wouldn’t even call it being raised.
He chuckled. “I didn’t know any different.” He glanced over his shoulder, but rather than look for someone following him, he watched the girls. They had dollies Evelyn had made them and were engrossed in playing. “They’re a happy lot despite their losses.”
“I hope it’s because they know they’re loved. And will always be loved.” She swallowed the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm her when she thought of Evelyn being dead. “I’ll do my best to take Evelyn and John’s place.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew how empty they were. “I know that’s impossible, but I’ll do what I can.”
“It looks to me like you’re doing a good job with them.”
“Thank you. You don’t know how much it means to hear someone acknowledge it.” She hoped he wouldn’t hear the catch in her voice. Rather than give him a chance to comment further she turned the conversation to him.
“Rudy, were you loved as a child?” For her, love meant caring and providing. Seems he’d had little of that.
“Ma loved me in her own way.” Before she could ask for an explanation as to what he meant, he continued. “She was never harsh or unkind. It was like she couldn’t rouse herself to do anything. Sometimes I would come home after being gone all day and she’d still be in the same spot as when I left, staring out the window. The only sign that she’d moved was the cup of tea on the table beside her. I don’t suppose it helped that Pa was so seldom around. I barely remember him.”
She pressed a hand over her heart. “Rudy, I can’t imagine.”
“Like I told you, it was normal for me.”
