Steadfast Mercy

by Ruth Reid

  Jonica hadn’t planned on stopping just yet, but Aenti had already stood and Stephen was yawning. She placed a cloth ribbon between the pages and closed the Bible. This would be a good verse to mediate on as she fell asleep. “I think it’s time for bed, Stephen.”

  “I’m heading that way myself,” Aenti said. “Gut nacht.”

  “Sweet dreams, Aenti Edna.” Jonica gave her aunt a hug, then she and Stephen went upstairs to their rooms.

  “Can you read the story about all the animals tomorrow?” He climbed into bed.

  “The one about Noah building the ark?”

  “Jah, I like that one.” Stephen laid his head on the pillow and was asleep before they finished their nightly prayers.

  Jonica watched him sleep a few minutes, then tiptoed out of the room. She changed into her nightdress, then sat on the edge of the bed, blood disorder pamphlet in hand. Would she learn anything new if she read it again, or would the information kindle more unnecessary trepidation? The debate continued several moments. Finally, she placed it on the nightstand, choosing to spend her time pondering the message God wanted her to receive from reading His Word.

  “Lord, Your Word is a light onto mei path. You go before me. I will nett fear or be dismayed. You know the beginning from the end, and I will put mei trust in You. Please help me stand on faith.”

  * * *

  “Daed!” Caleb lifted the lantern higher, but the flame wasn’t strong enough to reach beyond a few feet. He trekked across the open field, toward the distant sound of mooing steer. It wasn’t like his father to be out after dark. Hovering snow clouds blocked most of the moonlight, making it impossible to spot let alone track footprints in the snow. The coyotes would surely be on the hunt tonight. Probably the reason Daed had for moving the cattle closer to the house. Why hadn’t his father waited until Caleb was home to help?

  He reached the hay wagon where the Herefords were milling around both sides, chewing their cud. If the docile beasts noticed Caleb approach, they didn’t seem to care about him or the lantern he held.

  He’d seen before where hungry cattle charged the wagon. If his father somehow got in the herd’s direct path, they might have stampeded over him, unless he had the forethought to roll under the wagon bed. Caleb had dived for cover once or twice himself when the cattle spooked and came too close.

  He went to the front of the wagon, dropped to his knees, and shone the light under the bed. “Daed? Can you hear me?”

  No answer.

  Snow soaked into the knees of his pants. His father would freeze if he wasn’t found soon. He searched the immediate area. Daed’s plow horse, Big Red, was tethered to the gate separating the back pasture from the front. Why was the gate still open? The purpose for moving the cattle was to separate them from the back acreage so it’d be easier to round them up in the morning. Daed would never risk leaving Big Red tied to the gate unattended. The old horse would have no defense against a pack of coyotes. In addition, black bears didn’t usually enter their winter den this early, so they’d be another potential threat. Did his father think to bring a rifle?

  Caleb continued the search, growing more anxious by the minute. At what point should he stop searching and go after help? According to Mamm, it’d already been several hours since Daed had gone out to feed the livestock.

  “Lord, what am I supposed to do? I’ll never find him on mei own. I need Your help. Where is he?” Caleb continued to comb the area as he prayed. “Please, God, let him see the glow from the lamp and signal me.” Caleb called, “Daed!” again but received no answer.

  Without wearing multiple layers of clothing, it’d be tough for anyone to survive the night. Not without getting frostbitten. Caleb had no choice. He had to get help. As he untied Big Red from the post, he considered his options. To the north Yoder’s farm was the closest, and Bishop Zook’s place was about the same distance to the south. All he needed to tell was one person, who in turn would spread word throughout the district. He’d have everyone here within a matter of minutes and they could team up and take different sections.

  Caleb tugged on Big Red’s reins to get him to walk faster, but the clumsy, old Clydesdale only plugged along. Caleb would make better time if he cut through the woods, and Big Red could find the barn on his own. Caleb tied the reins around the horse’s neck so he wouldn’t trip on them, then gave Big Red a hard pat on the hindquarters to send the horse on his way. Caleb headed for the woods.

  Chapter 20

  By the time Caleb reached the Yoder’s farm, he was starting to lose feeling in his face, fingers, and feet. At least his body wasn’t completely numb. Knocking on the door sent a prickling sensation from his hand down to his elbow.

  Darleen answered on the first knock. “Caleb, what are you doing here?”

  “I need your daed’s help,” he said, through chattering teeth. “It’s . . . emergency.”

  “Kumm inside. You look like you’re freezing.”

  “I am.” He extinguished the lantern flame to conserve kerosene, then left it on the porch. Even after he entered the house, he couldn’t stop shivering. The heat radiating from the cookstove was a welcome relief, but he wouldn’t have time to completely thaw before having to go back out.

  “Take a seat by the stove while I fetch mei daed.” Darleen pushed one of the kitchen chairs next to the cookstove, then disappeared into the other room.

  A few moments later, Melvin came into the kitchen. “Darleen said there’s an emergency?”

  “Mei daed is missing. He went out to feed the cattle and didn’t come back.”

  Darleen returned with a lap quilt she wrapped around Caleb’s shoulders. “Can I make you something hot to drink?”

  “Nay, danki. I have to get back home and resume the search.” He noticed the puddle on the floor his boots had made. “Sorry about the melted snow. I cut through the woods to get here on foot. I didn’t want to take time to go back to the barn and hitch the buggy.”

  Melvin removed his coat from where it hung on the wall with several other coats and cloaks. “How long has Abraham been missing?”

  “I’m nett sure. Long enough to catch pneumonia. Mamm said he went out to the back pasture to feed the cattle before dark.” Caleb pulled the quilt higher up his neck wishing he could crawl under it completely. One of them was bound to ask why his father went out alone—why Caleb hadn’t fed the livestock or at least gone with his father. If only he’d left Edna’s house sooner . . .

  Melvin headed to the door and stopped Caleb as he started to follow. “Stay here where it’s warm while I hitch the buggy. I’ll drop you off at home, then go tell the others.”

  “Is there something I can do to help, Caleb?” Darleen asked.

  He shook his head. Not being familiar with the lay of his father’s land, she might get lost herself. “Danki though.”

  “Jah, anytime.”

  Awkward silence hung in the air.

  She was the first to speak. “I noticed you left without eating today.”

  No, Darleen. This was not the time to discuss their breakup, not after she and Hazel had gossiped about Stephen with him in earshot.

  She continued. “I hope you weren’t feeling sick?”

  “Nay.” He stared out the window toward the barn. “Nothing like that.”

  “I would say you missed some really gut food, but I heard Faith Rohrer fixed you a plate.”

  “I think I see your daed.” He removed the quilt from around his shoulders. “Danki for letting me use the blanket.”

  “Take it with you. It will help keep you warm. Plus, when you find your daed, you’ll have something to put around him.”

  “Danki, that’s very thoughtful of you.”

  “You can bring it back to me tomorrow.” She smiled. “I’ll be home all day.”

  Caleb suspected she had a hidden motive behind her suggestion but kept it to himself. “Thanks again.” Holding the blanket tight around his neck, he opened the door.

  Melvin wasn’t f
inished harnessing the horse, but he didn’t want to keep him waiting. At least that was what he told himself. Truth was, he had to leave the house before Darleen probed him with questions about Jonica. Darleen had to know the food Faith had sent home with him from the fellowship meal would be delivered to Edna’s house. He didn’t want to hurt Darleen any more than he had already, and he’d be as tactful as possible if she pressed for information, but he’d developed feelings for Jonica—feelings he couldn’t explain.

  When Melvin led his horse out of the barn, Caleb grabbed his lantern from where he’d left it on the porch and met him at his buggy. “I appreciate your help.”

  “Your daed would do the same for me.” Melvin backed up the gelding, aligning him to the front of the buggy.

  Caleb went around to the opposite side and fastened the harness to the shaft. His fingers trembled working the leather straps through the rings. The wind wasn’t as strong, but he’d started shivering uncontrollably again. Wet pants from kneeling in the snow made things worse. He needed to move to generate heat.

  Neither spoke on the ride home. Caleb suspected Melvin had heard about Darleen and him and her father had nothing good to say. Just as well. In order to keep his teeth from chattering, Caleb had clamped his mouth closed.

  Melvin stopped the buggy next to the house. “I’ll wait here if you want to run inside and check if your daed made it back home.”

  Caleb left the quilt on the bench and climbed out. “It’ll only take me a minute.” He whispered a prayer that he would find Daed sitting in his chair, as he did every night, reading the Bible.

  Mamm met him at the door. “Did you find him?”

  “Nett yet. I was hoping he’d be here.” Caleb turned around. “Melvin Yoder will tell the others so we can form a search party.”

  “Be careful,” she said as he was leaving the house.

  “He’s nett home yet,” Caleb told Melvin.

  “Then I’ll round up a crew and return as soon as possible.”

  “Danki. The hay wagon is parked between the front forty and back eighty acres. I’ll be somewhere around there.” He waited for Melvin’s buggy to roll forward, then turned toward the darkness.

  Big Red whinnied from the corral fence. He’d found his way home. Caleb put the horse in his stall, removed the bridle and harness, then tossed a handful of hay to tide Red over until he could feed and water him properly. “I won’t be long.” I hope.

  He lit the lantern and adjusted the flame to the highest setting. Times like this were when he wished his district allowed the use of flashlights. Caleb hiked out to the pasture, telling himself not to dwell on the bitter cold stinging his face or his wet pants chafing his legs. A beard would have helped shield his face and neck.

  The thought of growing a beard one day—of getting married—came out of nowhere. It wasn’t Darleen who came to mind as his fraa, but Jonica. That unsolicited moment of introspection should shake him in his boots, but instead, it gave him a little bounce in his step.

  Warmth filled Caleb’s chest. He thought about eating cookies in the hayloft with Stephen and how the boy talked about wanting a horse. Jonica was a good, loving mother who was patient and tender, but boys needed to learn from their father as well. Only, Stephen didn’t have that opportunity. According to Jonica, the boy’s father wanted nothing to do with his son. He’d left Jonica to raise the child on her own.

  A short time later, he spotted several lights flickering in the distance. Daed’s name echoed as the group of men neared. He met them at the edge of the woods.

  “Danki all for coming to help,” Caleb said, relieved to see so many. Not wanting to waste any more time, he got straight to the point. “I’ve searched this section off to mei right and along the far fence line.”

  “I can start at the back and work mei way forward,” Gideon offered.

  “Jah, that will help.” Caleb kneaded the back of his neck.

  Bishop Zook came up beside Caleb. “How are you holding up?”

  “Much better nau that I have help. I’m worried Daed has been out here too long. He’s got to be kalt.” Or injured.

  “We’re going to find him.” Bishop Zook clapped Caleb’s shoulder. “I know it’s difficult but try nett to worry.”

  Gideon organized the group and split the men up. Caleb continued searching the wooded side of the field.

  His father’s name was called repeatedly from every direction. Surely someone would find him. Caleb canvassed a long stretch of land before he stopped. His father wouldn’t have come this far. Unless he had a good reason to leave his horse . . .

  Something rustled in the brush a few feet away. Caleb inched closer. “Daed?” He lifted the lantern higher.

  Nothing.

  Caleb turned, then stopped when he heard what sounded like a faint moan. “Daed?”

  “Caleb?”

  “Jah, it’s me. Where are you?” Caleb whirled around, shining the light in every direction. Nothing. Where was he? Caleb was sure he’d heard his name. Then again, the wind could be playing a trick on his ears. “Daed, if you can hear me, let me know where you are. Make some noise.”

  A stick snapped a few feet away.

  Caleb swung the lantern in the opposite direction and spotted his daed lying on the ground. “I found him,” he yelled, repeating the news multiple times. He raced over to him and fell on his knees. “Daed, are you hurt? Are you okay?”

  His daed tried to rise on his own but dropped back down.

  “No sense moving just yet. Stay still until the others arrive.” Caleb looked as best he could in the limited light for any obvious injury but didn’t find anything. “What happened? I’ve been searching for you awhile nau. How did you end up in the woods?”

  “I don’t know.” Daed placed a hand on the side of his head. “Mei head was hurting and I got disoriented . . . Red . . .” His voice drifted off.

  “Big Red is okay. He’s in the barn.”

  “Nay, the man who . . . ah.” He winced. “Mei head is pounding.”

  “Help is on the way.” Caleb pushed off the ground, stumbled through the brush to reach the edge of the pasture, and yelled again, “I found him. Over here!” He waved his lantern and repeated the call until he got someone’s attention.

  “Is he hurt?” Melvin, the first to arrive, asked.

  “I’m nett sure. He’s talking.” Caleb led Melvin and a few of the others through the brush.

  With men on all sides of his father, they gently lifted him off the ground and carried him out of the woods where the remaining men caught up with them. Together, they carried Daed back to the house.

  Darleen and the bishop’s wife stood at the same time his mother did when Caleb and the other men carried Daed through the kitchen door. Mamm led them into the sitting room where she instructed them to lower him onto the couch.

  Daed clutched the side of his rib cage as though the movement had caused pain. He moaned as Mamm shoved a pillow under his head. “Just relax, Abraham,” she said as she unlaced his boots.

  Caleb retrieved an afghan from the rocking chair and placed it over his father. He would need more blankets and probably something hot to drink before he started to feel warm. Caleb went to the woodbox and selected a few small pieces that would burn fast and generate more heat.

  Darleen came up beside Caleb. “I was worried about your mamm being alone.”

  “Danki, I’m sure she was pleased to have company.” He tossed the slabs of wood on the burning embers.

  “The bishop and Alice arrived a short time later, but your mamm encouraged me to stay.”

  Caleb motioned to the hallway. “I need to find a heavier blanket.” Thankfully, she didn’t follow him down the hall. He went into what used to be Peter’s bedroom, removed the wool blanket from his bed, then took it to Daed.

  The house had thinned of most of the searchers. Left were a few stragglers, and Darleen. Mamm had managed to get Daed’s boots off and with help from Bishop Zook was in the process of removin
g his winter coat.

  Caleb waited until they had the winter garments removed, then lowered the wool blanket over his father, who was shaking miserably. “Maybe you should see a doktah. I can take you to the hospital.”

  “Nay, I’ll be fine. The dizziness has already passed. I’m feeling better.”

  With the other searchers heading out the door, Alice Zook went into the kitchen to put the teakettle on the stove, and his mother went to the bedroom to get Daed dry socks. It left Darleen and Caleb alone with his father, who had burrowed deeper under the cover.

  “Do you think he’ll be allrecht?” Darleen asked.

  “I hope so.” The extreme cold had probably numbed his pain, at least the intensity. But the way Daed held his side and moaned when they lowered him onto the couch and flinched when Mamm removed his coat, he was sore from something—or injured. Caleb recalled what his father had said in the woods. His head hurt. He’d been disoriented . . .

  Caleb headed toward the door. He needed to fetch the district midwife. Sadie would know if Daed needed to go to the hospital. “I left your quilt in your daed’s buggy. Danki again for letting me use it,” he said over his shoulder.

  Darleen followed him outside. “Caleb do you have a few minutes so we can talk?”

  “Sorry, but I don’t.” He continued toward the barn. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of mei daed, but I’m leaving to get Sadie. He needs to be checked over.”

  “I could ride along and keep you company.”

  “It’s getting late, Darleen. You need to go home.” He increased his pace. Even if Darleen wanted to start courting again, he didn’t. Within minutes Caleb had Nutmeg hitched to the buggy and was heading to Sadie’s place. Thankfully the midwife wasn’t on a house call and was able to grab her medical bag and leave immediately. En route, he relayed what his father had said happened. “Maybe he slipped and hit his head,” Caleb said. “He didn’t seem to remember much.”

  “But what he’s saying makes sense?”

  “Jah, his words aren’t slurring like someone who’s had a stroke if that’s what you mean.”