YOU are the reason we do what we do here at Barbour Publishing. We promise that we will always use our God-given talents to produce content with you in mind—and that we will remain biblically faithful, no matter what. Thank you for being the heart of our business. © 2026 by Wanda E. Brunstetter ISBN 979-8-89151-272-6 Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 979-8-89151-273-3 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Reproduced text may not be used on the World Wide Web. No Barbour Publishing content may be used as artificial intelligence training data for machine learning, or in any similar software development. All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. All German-Dutch words are taken from the Revised Pennsylvania German Dictionary found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental. No medical advice in this work of fiction is intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should consult a physician in matters relating to their health, particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. For more information about Wanda E. Brunstetter, please access the author’s website at the following internet address: www.wandabrunstetter.com Cover design: Kirk DouPonce, DogEared Design Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, OH 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.
Printed in the United States of America.
To Darlene, Lori, and Vickie, three special friends who, like me, lost their husbands last year.
B Be still, and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10
A CASTLE OF SAND
Prologue Nappanee, Indiana
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haron Raber hummed a cheerful tune as she moved rhythmically with the hose from one flower bed to another, making sure each one was adequately watered. The joy she felt today wasn’t just from being outdoors in the beautiful spring weather. Today marked the one-year anniversary of her and Mark’s wedding. Sharon looked forward to celebrating it when her husband got home from work this evening. She planned to fix Mark’s favorite meal—roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and tender peas. She would serve their supper by candlelight. Mark would most likely bring Sharon a gift, and she had one to give him as well. Sharon turned off the hose and took a seat on the porch swing to relax and listen to the birds singing ever so sweetly as they flew from tree to tree. She smiled when two finches landed on the birdbath for a drink, followed by a quick bath. The peace and quiet surrounded her like a warm quilt, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to reflect on the life she had here with the man she loved so dearly. Sharon thought about how she had willingly moved from her parents’ home in Topeka, Indiana, to Mark’s hometown in Nappanee soon after they’d gotten married. Although Sharon missed her family in Topeka, her place was here with her husband, and she had no regrets about moving to this part 7
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of Indiana. Mark’s family lived in Nappanee, and they had welcomed Sharon with open arms. She and Mark had developed friendships with several young couples in their church district too. Everything seemed so perfect. Sharon sometimes felt like she should pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She looked forward to raising a family with Mark and hoped the day would come soon when they could announce to both of their families that she was expecting a baby. “That day can’t come soon enough,” Sharon murmured. She eagerly awaited the day she would become a mother. Glancing at the abundant array of tulips in bloom, Sharon stepped off the porch and bent to pick a few of her favorite colors. In no time at all, she’d gathered a lovely bouquet and held it up to her nose, inhaling the earthy, sweet aroma, confirming that springtime had officially arrived. Sharon was about to take the flowers into the house when a pickup truck pulled into the yard. Sharon turned and waved at Tom, one of her English neighbors, as he got out of the vehicle. Normally, Tom would offer a warm smile and a hearty greeting, but not today. His face appeared flushed, and Tom pressed a palm against his chest as he approached her, calling with a high-pitched voice, “You’d better come with me right away, Sharon. Your husband has been involved in an accident, and he’s being rushed to the hospital as we speak.” Sharon shook her head, trying to process what she’d just heard. She felt the need to sit down or lean against something for support. As numbness swept throughout her entire body, she stared at Tom, hoping she had somehow misheard him. “Wh–what happened? Is Mark going to be all right?” “He was badly hurt, and from what I understand, his condition is uncertain at this time.” Tom clasped Sharon’s arm. “You need to come with me right now. I will drive you to the hospital where your husband is being taken to the emergency room.” Her hands trembled, and she dropped the bouquet to the ground. Oh, please, Lord, let my dear husband be okay. I can’t make it without him! 8
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Chapter 1 Topeka, Indiana
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haron stood in front of her upstairs bedroom window, staring down at her parents’ backyard. Today was Sunday, and as of tomorrow, it would be exactly nine months since Mark’s death. Sharon remembered very well how, as quickly as possible, she had sold her and Mark’s home in Nappanee and had moved back to Topeka to live with her parents. There was no way she could have remained in Nappanee, much less in the house she and her husband had purchased shortly before their marriage. Every room in that home and even the outbuildings reminded her of Mark. The memory of what they’d shared together plagued her, even now. Why, God? Why did You take him from me? Sharon screamed internally. He was a good man, and we were so happy together. Why would You have allowed us to get married if You were going to sit up there in heaven and watch him die? Tears pricked the back of Sharon’s eyes and spilled out onto her hot cheeks. Have I done something wrong? Were You punishing me by taking Mark? Angry, confused thoughts swirled in her head. Sharon couldn’t blame herself for her husband’s untimely death, because she had nothing to do with the accident that had taken his life. She certainly couldn’t blame Mark’s driver for his vehicle’s tire blowing out, which resulted in 9
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getting hit by a bus trying to avoid the tire. So who else was there to blame, if not God? And why had Mark’s driver, as well as the man driving the bus, survived the crash? It wasn’t fair that only Mark had been taken and the others had only mild injuries. It wasn’t that Sharon wanted them to die. Of course she didn’t. She simply wanted Mark to live. Sharon heaved a heavy sigh and turned away from the window. She could stand here all day, mulling things over, and it wouldn’t bring Mark back. Pulling from deep within, she finished getting dressed and left the room. No doubt her mother had started breakfast by now and probably needed some help. As Sharon headed down the stairs to the main floor of the house, the aroma of brewed coffee wafted up to her nose. Sharon was on the verge of entering the kitchen when she heard Mom mention her name. Her footsteps halted, and she stood there listening. “I am telling you, Levi, our daughter is not doing any better than she was when she first moved here from Nappanee. Sharon’s husband has been gone nine months, and I am deeply concerned because she is still depressed.” Sharon held her breath and waited to hear her father’s response. It came quickly. “You worry too much, Rebekah. Everyone handles grief differently, and Sharon will move on with her life when she is ready.” “I’m not so sure about that. I have tried everything I can think of to bring her out of this, but to no avail.” “Maybe you ought to quit trying then and let—” “Quit trying?” Mom’s voice raised a notch. “I’m her mudder, Levi, and I care about our daughter, so I’ll never quit trying to help her.” “I care about Sharon too, but we need to give her more time.” Sharon held her body rigidly as she squeezed her eyes shut. Why are they talking about me behind my back? If they have something to say, they should say it to my face. She barged into the kitchen with both hands on her hips. “Why 10
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are you two talking about me like this? If you have something to say, please say it to me directly.” Mom’s eyelids blinked, and her coffee-colored eyes widened. “We’re just concerned about you, Sharon. We want to see our daughter back the way she used to be.” “You mean, happy and carefree, with a reason to get up every morning, and feeling as though I have something to live for?” Sharon’s chin trembled as she tried to control her emotions. But it was no use; her anger boiled over like an unwatched pot of hot soup on the stove. “I would appreciate it if you two would stop worrying and allow me to deal with my grief in the only way I know how.” Sharon’s gaze fell upon her mother. “You have no idea how I feel, because you’ve never lost your mate.” Mom’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached for a napkin and dabbed at the teardrops spilling over onto her cheeks. “I realize that, Daughter, but I have lost other family members, and. . .” Sharon shook her head vigorously. “It’s not the same thing.” She placed both hands on her chest. “Mark and I had a special bond. Doesn’t the Bible say that married couples become as one?” Sharon’s father, a deacon in their church district, spoke up. “Jah, that is found in Genesis 2:24. It’s also mentioned in Matthew 19:5–6.” He got up from the table and came over to where Sharon stood. “I feel bad that you overheard our conversation, and I apologize for my part in it. We should have directed our concerns to you, not hashed it over when you weren’t in the room.” “I’m sorry too,” Mom put in. “It’s just so difficult for me to hold in my feelings where you are concerned. We both love you and want the best for you.” “Then please let me work this out on my own terms.” Sharon’s gaze dropped to the floor. Mom was quickly on her feet and rushed over to Sharon. “I’m sorry for the things I said to your father, and I will try to keep my opinions to myself from now on.” She slipped one arm around Sharon’s waist. “Will you forgive me?” 11
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Sharon’s heart softened, and she nodded. “I’m probably oversensitive,” she murmured, “but I miss Mark so much, and I always will.” “Of course,” Dad said, gently patting Sharon’s shoulder. “He was a good husband and a godly man.” And no one will ever replace him, Sharon thought as she moved over to the silverware drawer and began to set the table.
B When Sharon entered the extensive room that had been added on to the home where church was being held that morning, she reminded herself to stay awake and appear as though she was being attentive. Her faith in God had been diminished after losing Mark, and attending church services was difficult for her. Sharon felt like a hypocrite, pretending to worship with these people when all she wanted was to be alone in her parents’ house, seeking the solitude of her bedroom. When the songbooks were handed out and the church members began singing the first martyrs’ song, Sharon moved her mouth so it would appear as though she was singing. When it was time to pray, Sharon went down on her knees, as the others had done, but unlike them, Sharon didn’t pray silently. She said no prayer at all. Scriptures were read, and she closed her ears to the words, unable to believe anything that was quoted from the Bible. If God is a God of love, He wouldn’t have taken Mark from me. He and I would be sitting on backless wooden benches in our own church district in Nappanee this morning, and I wouldn’t be here at all, Sharon told herself. Sharon disliked the word widow, but that’s precisely what she had become nine months ago, and her life would never be the same. Young or old, what joy was there for a widowed woman—especially one like her who would never have the opportunity of bearing a child? She swallowed hard, determined not to allow the hot, burning tears behind her eyes to spill over. Sharon lifted her head and focused on the minister who had taken his place to preach the first 12
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message. Sharon cringed when he announced that his sermon topic was about facing disappointments and not becoming bitter or full of resentment and self-pity. Oh, great! Is he talking to me? she wondered. I’m sure the preacher can’t see into my heart and know that I am sitting here unbelieving in God’s love, or that I have been wallowing in self-pity. If he knew that, I can only imagine what he would say. He would probably quote more verses of scripture, hoping to get his point across. Sharon knew that attending church, while saying and doing all the right things, was expected of her, which made her wish all the more that she didn’t have to be here at all. As the sermon continued, the preacher’s words revealed something to Sharon, and she knew with a certainty that it was expected of her as a church member to stop dwelling on what could not be changed. She needed to make an attempt to move forward with her life, even if it wasn’t fulfilled or happy. She didn’t know what the best way to go about doing that would be, however. So far, nothing Sharon had tried to dispel her grief had worked. Even so, she hoped there was something she hadn’t tried yet that could help, because the thought of spending the rest of her life sunk deep into depression was not pleasant. Sharon was fairly certain that if she didn’t snap out of this state of melancholy soon, her parents might end up pushing her to seek professional help, or worse, see a doctor and ask for some kind of medication for depression that could end up causing an addiction with prolonged usage. No, there had to be another way! And Sharon would keep searching until she found it. One thing for sure, Sharon would have to think hard until she came up with a plan that might bring some joy back to her life, if only a little bit, so she could at least function better and have some sense of normalcy.
B The next morning, shortly after the breakfast dishes were washed and put away, Sharon bundled up against the cold, snowy day and 13
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went out to the phone shed to call her friend Stella Yoder, who lived in Nappanee. She fully expected to leave a message, but surprisingly, Stella answered on the second ring. “Oh, Stella, this is Sharon. I wasn’t expecting you to pick up.” “I had just entered our phone shed, and when I heard the telephone ringing, I grabbed the receiver.” There was a brief pause, and then Stella said, “I haven’t heard from you in a while, Sharon. How are you doing these days?” “About the same, but I want to get better.” “Still pretty depressed, huh?” “Jah, and I can’t seem to snap out of it.” “I’m so sorry. I’ve never had to deal with anything like the death of my spouse, and I can’t imagine what you must be going through.” “It’s been nine months since Mark died, and my mamm thinks I ought to be doing better by now.” Sharon watched the steam from her breath drift toward the small window inside the cold, tiny wooden building where she sat. “To tell you the truth, I thought by now I would be doing better, but in many ways I feel worse.” “Maybe the frigid weather is getting you down,” Stella said. “November and December were really cold months, and now, here we are at the beginning of January, and the weather seems to have gotten worse.” “I suppose that could have something to do with my depression,” Sharon admitted. “But the real reason I’m feeling so down is because I miss my dear husband so much.” She released a weary sigh, her voice barely above a whisper. “Celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas without Mark was unbearable, and although I wanted to keep to myself and let it all pass me by, everyone anticipated me participating in our family gathering. I guess that was to be expected.” “It makes sense that you wouldn’t want to celebrate the holidays without Mark. I would miss Martin if something happened to him. I know you needed to move back to your parents’ home, but I do wish you still lived nearby so I could at least come by often and see you. Maybe even bring over some baked goods fresh out of the 14
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oven. Wouldn’t that be nice?” Sharon forced herself to say yes, but then she sat silently, rubbing her hands together to stay warm, and trying to form the right words to express her desperation to find a solution to the extreme grief she still felt. “Say, I have an idea,” Stella announced in an upbeat tone of voice. “What is it?” “I think what you need, my dear friend, is some time away from Indiana and this very cold weather.” “Where would I go?” “How about an extended stay in sunny Sarasota, Florida? My cousin just got back from there a week ago, and she told me that she had such a fun time. Have you ever been there before?” “Just once—when Mark and I were going steady. He stayed with a friend of his, and I shared a small home with my brother Gerald and his wife, Irene. They found the rental in Pinecraft—the Amish community on the edge of Sarasota.” “I never knew that. Did you like it down there?” “Oh, yes. Mark and I had a wonderful time seeing some sights, and spending many hours on the beach, looking for shells.” “Maybe you should make another trip there,” Stella suggested. “The warmth of the sun, the sand beneath your bare feet, and everything else you enjoyed about being there previously might be just what you need to lift your spirits.” Sharon shifted on the cold metal chair she sat upon. “You really believe that?” “It’s worth a try, don’t you think?” “Well, maybe. I’ll need to give it some thought, though.” “Don’t just think about it, Sharon. You need to pray about this, and seek God’s will. If it’s meant for you to go, everything will work out, including the challenge of getting a bus ticket and trying to find a good place to stay while you are there.” “Jah, that might be difficult, since tourism is no doubt in full swing, not to mention that Pinecraft is a popular place among the 15
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Amish who visit Sarasota during the winter months.” “Well, it’s worth investigating,” Stella said. “Perhaps there will be accommodations available, either in or near Pinecraft.” “Maybe so. I’ll give it some thought.” Sharon rubbed her cold arms through the thickness of her heavy jacket and shivered. “I should get back into the house now where it’s warmer, and let you do the same. It’s been nice talking to you, Stella.” “It’s been nice for me too. Whatever you decide to do, please keep me informed, okay?” “I will. Goodbye, Stella.”
B That afternoon, after making several phone calls, Sharon returned to the house and found her mother at the sewing machine with material to make a new dress. “Mom,” she announced, “I plan to travel on one of the charter buses that transport Amish and Mennonite people to Sarasota, Florida, and I’ll be leaving in two days.” Mom turned from her sewing project and looked at Sharon, her mouth agape. “You can’t be serious!” “Yes, I am.” Sharon plunked down in a chair near her mother’s sewing machine. “I’m going to stay there through the rest of winter and maybe longer.” Mom tilted her head. “Why? Is it because of the cold weather we’ve been having here?” “That might be part of it, but it’s mostly because I’m hoping the trip will help with my depression.” “I suppose that’s possible,” her mother stated. “The sky’s been pretty overcast here most days lately, and I’ve heard it said that the weather can affect our mood.” “Guess that’s true.” “What about a place to stay? You probably won’t find anything available in Pinecraft at this late date—especially if you’re planning to stay more than a few weeks.” “That’s what I expected, Mom, but after a few phone calls 16
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today, I found a place in Pinecraft that was available because of a last-minute cancellation. So that’s where I’ll be staying, and I have it secured for three months.” Mom pursed her lips. “It’s not a good idea for you to be traveling alone, much less staying there all by yourself.” “I’ll be fine, and there will be plenty of other Plain people on the bus, so I won’t be alone. And I’m sure that staying alone in my rented home in Pinecraft, surrounded by other Plain residents, will be perfectly safe, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.” Sharon rose from her chair. “I need to go upstairs and start packing.” “Wait a minute, Sharon. I have a suggestion to make.” “What is it, Mom?” Sharon spoke between her teeth, trying not to let her irritation become apparent. Didn’t her mother realize that she was a grown woman and could manage this trip by herself ? “Have you thought about inviting a friend to join you on the trip?” Sharon shook her head. “My best friend lives in Nappanee, and I would never ask Stella to go somewhere with me that would take her away from her husband for three months or more.” “What about your sister, Hannah? I’m sure she would be willing to go with you.” “Don’t you remember, Mom? Hannah has a job as a waitress at Tiffany’s Restaurant here in Topeka, and they would never approve of her taking that much time off.” “Jah, I do remember about her new job, and I suppose you’re right. Even so, I’m sure there must be someone who would be free to go with you.” Sharon gave a vigorous shake of her head. “I’m going alone, Mom. I need this time to be by myself, and maybe a trip to sunny Florida will benefit me in some way. I was comfortable and happy the last time I was there with Mark.” “Did I hear you say that you’re planning to go someplace where it’s warm?” Sharon’s father asked as he entered the sewing room. “Jah, Dad. I’m going to Sarasota, Florida, for a few months.” “I’ve been trying to tell her that if she’s going on the trip, she 17
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should take someone with her,” Mom interjected. “And I’ve been saying that I don’t need anyone to accompany me to Florida. What I do need is the chance to spend some time alone in a place where I felt happy before.” Dad bobbed his head. “You should go, then, Daughter.” “R–really?” Sharon questioned. “You think it’s a good idea?” “Jah, I do,” he responded. “Levi, you can’t be serious—” Before Mom could finish her sentence, Dad interrupted. “Sharon’s old enough to think for herself, Rebekah. So even if you disagree with her decision, you should at least respect it.” Dad nudged Sharon’s shoulder and smiled. “Go ahead and get yourself out of snowy, cold Indiana for a while. You have my blessing.” “Danki, I appreciate that.” Sharon moved toward the door. “And now I am definitely going upstairs to start packing.”
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Chapter 2
W
ednesday afternoon, Sharon stood with several other Amish people outside of the Topeka Pizza restaurant, waiting for the Pioneer Trails charter bus to arrive. It was scheduled to pick them up around 3:30 p.m., and she hoped it would get here soon. She shivered against the cold wind blowing on her body. Although Sharon had bundled up with her heavy winter outerwear, she felt the chill from head to toe. Normally, a person wanting to take the charter bus to Sarasota would have needed to secure their ride and pay for a seat several months in advance. But Sharon had been fortunate when she’d called and been told that there had been a single cancellation on this bus trip. She had immediately booked her ticket. As Sharon stood huddled close to the building, she thought about how things had gone this morning when she’d said goodbye to her parents, as well as to her brother Lester and sister, Hannah, who both still lived at home. Her married brother, Gerald, and his wife, Irene, had come over to the folks’ house last evening for supper and to tell Sharon goodbye. It had been a pleasant evening, and no one had said anything negative to Sharon about her decision to get away from the cold and spend three months in Sarasota. This morning, however, it had been a different story. While 19
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Sharon was waiting for one of their drivers to pick her up and drop her off at the designated bus stop, Sharon’s mother had pulled her aside. Sharon could still visualize Mom’s eyebrows drawn together in a frown when she’d said, “It’s not too late for you to change your mind, Daughter. Three months away from family is a long time.” Sharon had replied by saying that she would be fine on her own, wasn’t going to change her mind, and would let them know when she arrived at her rental in Pinecraft. That had been the end of it, and when the driver pulled in, Mom, along with the rest of the family, had hugged Sharon and said their goodbyes. The charter bus pulled in, bringing Sharon’s thoughts to the present. She moved forward, thankful that she had brought only one large suitcase, instead of two like some of the other travelers had done. When she’d booked her ticket, she had been told that each passenger could have two checked pieces of luggage and a carry-on item that could fit in the bin overhead or under her seat. Extra items would be allowed only as space permitted, and there would be a fee for items that exceeded what was included with the price of their bus ticket. Sharon certainly didn’t want to pay extra, nor did she think she would need anything more than one large suitcase and a carry-on. After seeing that her suitcase had been loaded into the baggage compartment of the coach, Sharon, holding her purse and a canvas tote bag, got in line with the others who were already getting on the bus. When it was her turn to board, she stepped on and found an empty seat in the middle of the bus that was next to a window. She was fine with that, because it would allow her to see the passing scenery along the way. She had no more than sat down and put her tote bag on the floor under the seat in front of her when a middle-aged Mennonite woman stopped in the aisle, pointed to the seat beside Sharon, and said, “Is this seat taken?” Sharon shook her head. “No, I’m traveling alone.” “So am I.” The woman, whom Sharon had never met before, 20
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extended her hand. “My name is Dorothy Wengerd. What’s yours?” “I’m Sharon Raber.” “It’s nice to meet you, Sharon. Is this your first trip to Sarasota?” the woman asked after they shook hands. “No, I went there once with my boyfriend, who later became my husband.” “Oh, is he not traveling with you today?” Sharon swallowed around the lump that had quickly formed in her throat. She hoped she could respond without shedding any tears. “He passed away several months ago,” she managed to say. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Dorothy reached over and patted Sharon’s hand. “I’ve never been married, so I can’t fully relate to the grief you must feel, but I did experience a great loss when my parents died, just a year apart. That occurred a few years ago,” she added. “I’m sorry for your loss too,” Sharon murmured, unable to meet the woman’s gaze. She sighed and turned to look at the back of the bus. The trip to Sarasota would take thirty-six hours, or possibly longer if they encountered any delays. There would be stops along the way for most meals. Even so, Sharon was thankful there was a restroom on the bus. She was also appreciative that food and drinks would be allowed on the bus. She’d packed some snacks in her tote bag, along with a few bottles of water. Sharon had also brought a neck pillow, which she dug out of her tote bag and wrapped around her neck. It felt good, and during the trip, it would give her head and neck some support. Sharon looked to the front of the bus, thankful that everyone, including the driver and his helper, appeared to have gotten on and were all in their seats. This meant they would soon be on their way. When the bus pulled out of the parking lot a few minutes later and approached the highway, Sharon reclined her seat a bit and turned her head toward the window. She hoped the well-meaning woman who sat beside her would not try to engage her in conversation the entire trip. Sharon wasn’t up to answering more questions or talking to someone she didn’t know about anything of a personal 21
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nature. She simply wanted to be left alone with her thoughts and to get some sleep as best as she could—although as the bus quickly grew noisy with chatter, she realized sleeping might be a bit of a challenge. When the bus reached their destination, Sharon would begin a new adventure, and hopefully this trip would bring her a sense of peace, and perhaps even a little bit of joy—something she hadn’t felt in too many months. At the same time, however, Sharon wondered what she would do if the sunshine and sandy beaches awaiting her did nothing to help with the lingering grief and depression she felt. Would she return to her parents’ home a different person, or would spring still find her a young widow suffering from agonizing grief ? Sharon closed her eyes and tried to relax. Guess I won’t know how things will work out until I’ve been there awhile, so I just need to wait and see how it goes.
B Sarasota, Florida When Sharon stepped off the charter bus at nine thirty Friday morning in Pinecraft, she saw a host of Amish and Mennonite people eagerly greeting others who’d also been on the bus. She spotted an older Amish woman whom she recognized from her community back in Nappanee, although they weren’t in the same church district and she didn’t know the woman’s name. Her face, arms, and what Sharon could see of the woman’s legs were quite tan. It was a good indication that she had been here awhile, basking in the sunshine. Sharon was aware that many Amish and other Plain people came to Sarasota during the colder months of the year, either for a few weeks of vacation or to spend the entire winter. She’d come for a different reason, though. For Sharon, the next three months would not be a vacation; they were a chance to leave her painful memories behind and be alone for a while without having to listen to her parents’ suggestions. She truly hoped that the time spent here 22
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might give her a sense of peace, if nothing else. Perhaps spending time at the beach or doing some other interesting things by herself would help ease her pain. But she didn’t think her faith in God could ever be restored. Sharon turned back toward the bus and saw that the luggage door had been opened. She waited while several others got their belongings, then stepped forward and picked up her suitcase. Hoisting her tote bag over one shoulder and her purse over the other shoulder, she grabbed the suitcase handle and began pulling it across the parking lot. The pavement’s crevices were outlined by the bright sunlight overhead. The house she’d rented was on Kruppa Avenue, and according to the directions she’d been given from the owner of the home, she didn’t have far to go. Sharon had only taken a few steps when the older woman she’d seen before came alongside her. A younger Amish woman and two small girls were with her, each pulling a suitcase. She remembered then that she’d seen the three of them on the bus but had never spoken to any of them. In fact, Sharon hadn’t spoken to anyone unless they said something to her first. Even the woman who had been seated beside her remained fairly quiet for most of the trip. “You look familiar,” the older woman said. “What is your naame, and where are you from?” “My name is Sharon Raber, and I used to live in Nappanee, Indiana, but I currently live in Topeka, with my parents.” She studied the woman’s face for a few seconds. “You look familiar to me. Would you also be from Nappanee?” “Yes, I am.” With a pleasant smile, the elderly woman held out her hand. “My name is Iva Esh, and this is my daughter, Anna Mae, and her girls, Meredith and Susanne.” “It’s nice to meet you.” Sharon shook each of their hands. Wearing big smiles, Anna Mae and her girls returned the greeting. “Did you come to Florida alone, or are you with someone?” Iva asked as they began walking in the same direction as Sharon. 23
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“I’m alone.” Sharon glanced down at her suitcase then looked back at Iva. “This is only my second time visiting Sarasota and staying in Pinecraft.” “My mamm lives here all winter,” Anna Mae interjected. “So if we want to see her anytime between the first of December and the beginning of April, we have to come down here where it’s sunny and warm.” Iva chuckled and gave her daughter’s arm a squeeze. “You love coming to Sarasota; now just admit it. And I’m sure you make the trip for more than time spent with your old mudder.” “You’re only sixty, Mamm, and that’s not old. And while I’ll admit, we do enjoy the sunshine and trips to the beach for shells, we miss you when you’re away from home, which is the main reason we come down.” “Do you own your own place here in Pinecraft?” Sharon directed her question to Iva. “Or do you rent a home like I’m doing?” “I have my own house, over on Yoder Avenue.” Iva smiled. “It’s small and nothing fancy, but it works well for me and a few guests.” “It’s nice that you can be here all winter.” Sharon released an unexpected sigh. “I’m only staying for three months, but hopefully it’ll be long enough for me to relax, and. . .” Her voice trailed off. There was no point in telling someone she didn’t even know the real reason she’d come to Sarasota. “If you’re looking to relax, then you’ve come to the right place.” Iva paused and put her hands on her granddaughters’ shoulders. “There are so many fun things to do around here. Isn’t that right, girls?” Meredith and Susanne, full of smiles, nodded with enthusiasm. Susanne mentioned having searched for shells along the shoreline at Lido Beach, and Sharon listened as Meredith gushed about their favorite playground in Pinecraft Park. “ We’re catching the bus and going to the beach at Siesta Key tomorrow after breakfast,” Iva said. “Would you like to join us, Sharon?” She hesitated a moment but finally nodded. A trip to the beach 24
A CASTLE OF SAND
did sound pleasant. Besides, wasn’t that what she’d come here for? “I know where the bus stop is,” Sharon responded. “What time should I meet you there?” She didn’t bother to explain that the reason she knew the location of the bus stop was because she and Mark had caught the bus there to go to Siesta Beach. “The bus leaves Pinecraft for the beach at nine,” Iva stated. “All right, then, I might see you tomorrow.” Sharon lifted her free hand in a brief wave and turned onto Kruppa Avenue. Although she didn’t know Iva other than from their brief meeting today, she felt like she might have already made a new friend. Even if Sharon’s own life felt suspended by the passing of her husband, the two little girls’ eagerness was undoubtedly a comforting diversion for her, knowing that their lives continued to carry on as usual.
B When Sharon approached the place where she’d be spending the next three months, she became filled with mixed feelings. The home itself, a charming single-story building, was a suitable size to accommodate one person. But there would be no one to keep Sharon company when she was alone in the house. Was it a mistake to return to Sarasota, where she and Mark had found so many fun things to do? Well, she was here now and had paid rent for the whole three months, so she had to go inside the quaint house and get settled. Sharon stepped onto the porch and bent to get the key the owner had told her would be under the mat. After sticking the key into the knob and turning it, she entered the house. Her gaze strayed across the living room, lingering on the beach-themed furnishings and tropical-looking photos on the walls. I’m definitely no longer in snowy Indiana, Sharon thought. Guess I’d better make myself comfortable since this will be my home for a few months. Leaving her suitcase and tote bag on the living-room floor, Sharon walked into the kitchen, where a telephone sat on one of the counters. She made a quick call home and left a message for 25