The Lopsided Christmas Cake Read Online Free Page A

tell—their grandparents’ story. Each piece of furniture and every room held a special memory. To Thelma it felt like a second home. She was anxious to see what new memories she and Elma would make here.
    When Elma returned with two cups, she handed one to Thelma and took a seat on the sofa. “I’d like to discuss something with you.”
    Thelma tilted her head. “What’s that?”
    “Remember how at our folks’ store, you often entertained the kinner who came in with their parents?”
    “Like I did today. Those children were so cute. I think they really enjoyed the story.”
    “I’m sure they did, but there are only two of us running the store.” Elma leaned slightly forward. “I think it would be best if we both stick to waiting on customers and let the parents deal with their children.”
    Thelma’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to remember that.” Her sister was right, but oh, how she would miss spending time with the children. Taking over Grandma and Grandpa’s store meant more responsibilities for her and Elma. Things would be different from now on. Back home in their parents’ store, Thelma had always mixed a bit of fun with work. She hoped, even though it was only the two of them now, that the fun wouldn’t be completely lost.
    “I appreciate that,” Elma said. “So how would you like to go shopping tomorrow in Shipshe?”
    Thelma smiled, remembering how often Grandpa had used that shortened version of the name Shipshewana. The town had several good places to shop and eat. “That’s a good idea.” She reached for a cookie. “Maybe I’ll look for the paint we need.”
    Elma smiled. “I could use a new pair of shoes. Of course, they’ll have to be on sale.”
    Thelma took a sip of tea. “There’s one thing we need to consider.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Shipshe’s ten miles away. It’s a bit far to ride our bikes. That means we’ll have to get out Grandma and Grandpa’s old buggy and take—”
    “Rusty,” they said in unison.
    Elma frowned. “We haven’t used him yet. I hope that horse behaves himself.”

Chapter 4
    T he next morning, Elma was surprised to see Tiger lying under the kitchen table. He looked a bit better since Thelma had brushed him the evening before. She’d thought her sister had put the cat out before they went to bed last night. But at least he’d slept in the kitchen, where they’d already seen two mice.
    When Elma reached under the table, the cat opened his eyes and stretched. “Come on, Tiger, out you go. You’re not going to stay in the house while Thelma and I are shopping today.”
    Elma picked up Tiger, opened the back door, and set him on the porch. She stopped for a moment to take a deep breath of cold air. Was that frost she saw on the grass? Could the warmer days of summer be gone already?
    She grabbed an armful of wood and hauled it inside to feed the woodstove. Elma rubbed her arms. The overnight temperatures had dropped, leaving it a bit chilly inside. Soon, the pleasant sound of wood snapping and popping filled the air. A sudden wave of sadness flowed over her. She thought about all the times she and Thelma had warmed themselves in front of this stove when they were children. Grabbing the edge of her apron, she wiped her eyes. Elma didn’t think she’d ever get used to cooking or baking in the old relic. Due to their lack of money right now, it could be some time before they’d be able to buy a stove like they had at home. But at least this one heated the kitchen.
Maybe that’s why Grandpa and Grandma held on to this old thing. Grandma had gotten used to cooking on it, and it does possess a certain unique charm.
    After Elma was sure the fire was going, she got out the loaf of banana bread one of the women had given them yesterday. It would go well with the eggs she’d boiled last night, along with a cup of hot tea.
    As Elma set the table, she rubbed her fingers over one of the plates. Another memory flashed across her