The Lopsided Christmas Cake Read Online Free

arm. “We were all saddened when your grandparents passed away, but we’re glad you and your sister have taken over their place.” Her hazel eyes clouded, and she wiped a tear that had dribbled down her cheek.
    “Jah,” Doris agreed. “We are so glad you’re here.” She pushed her metal-framed glasses back in place. “I didn’t know your grandparents as well as some of the others, because my husband and I are new to the area. But from what we’ve heard, they were both a blessing to this community.”
    Elma’s throat tightened. She had to fight to control her emotions. The kind things these women said about Grandma and Grandpa made her miss them even more.
    Refocusing her thoughts, she unloaded the boxes. They held everything from home-canned fruits and vegetables to casserole dishes, packages of meat, and several kinds of desserts.
    Sadie passed Elma another item. “If there’s anything we can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    “Danki,” Elma said. “We’ll let you know if we need any help.”
    She had put the last item in the refrigerator, when Tiger darted into the room—chasing a mouse of all things.
Oh no, not now!
Not wanting to embarrass herself, Elma fought the urge to scream and hop onto a chair.
    As though this was an everyday occurrence, Doris chuckled. “Would you look at that?”
    Sadie laughed, too, and Elma sighed with relief. Either these ladies were very kind or had dealt with mouse issues before.
    By this time, Tiger had run the mouse into the utility room. Elma cringed when she heard a thud. A few seconds later, the cat appeared, carrying the rodent in his mouth. The women giggled as the cat sat before them, apparently waiting for their approval. Even Elma thought it was rather cute.
    “Good work, kitty.” Sadie jerked the back door open. “Now take your prize outside.”
    As if he understood, Tiger bounded out the door.
    “Don’t worry,” Sadie assured Elma. “We get mice at our place from time to time, too. That’s why we keep a few katze around.”
    Desperate for a change of subject, Elma said, “Maybe we should head back to the store and see what the others are doing.”
    When they entered the store, Elma saw Thelma on the floor reading to the children. They seemed to be totally engrossed as she read about a young boy named Solomon. Even the children’s mothers, who stood nearby, listened. This was nothing new. Elma remembered how many times in their store back home, her sister had entertained some of the little ones while their mothers shopped. It was a nice gesture, but Elma hoped Thelma wouldn’t get into the habit of doing that here. They had only the two of them running the store, so they both needed to wait on people.

    That evening, after the supper dishes were done, the twins built a fire in the fireplace and settled into the living room to relax. Thelma picked up her knitting to work on Mom’s gloves, when Elma suggested they try one of the desserts they’d been given today. She went to the kitchen and returned with a bunch of peanut butter cookies on a crystal platter Grandma had often used when the twins had come to visit. Thelma remembered it well because of a small chip on one corner.
    “I have some water heating on the stove for tea.” Elma placed the platter on the coffee table. “Is the gas lamp giving you enough light?”
    “Jah, it’s plenty.”
    “It looks like you’re squinting. Would you like to borrow my reading glasses?”
    Thelma shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
    The teakettle whistled, and Elma returned to the kitchen.
    “Do you need any help?” Thelma called.
    “I can manage.”
    While her sister was getting the tea, Thelma put her knitting down and glanced around. With the exception of the linoleum in the kitchen and bathroom, the rooms in this house had hardwood floors.
    Her gaze came to rest on the small table beside her chair, draped with one of Grandma’s handmade doilies. This old house had a story to