Sanctuary by David Lewis Read Free Book Online Page B

covered bridge marked “Hunsecker Mill Bridge” on her map. Occasional small openings in the sides of the bridge brought in the slightest bit of light.
    Once out in the open, she could see stars winking down at her through the willows and other large trees along the road. She thought again of Ryan’s plans for a romantic getaway in Vermont. Columbus Day weekend was the ideal time to travel deep into New England autumn.
    Melissa recalled the smell of woodsmoke permeating the crisp, dry air, the crackle of leaves underfoot. They liked to strike out into unpopulated and wooded areas, enjoying a day-long hike into the nearby Green Mountains. One of their favorite things was simply walking in the woods, amidst cinnamon ferns and the colorful undergrowth. There they held hands and talked freely. Always they discovered secluded gardens of milkweed and black-eyed Susans, gurgling streams, low stacked-stone walls, and spicebush swallowtail butterflies. Nature was tangible in such settings, and now, more than ever, she would miss their Vermont experience terribly. But her leaving had altered more than their plans for a romantic weekend. Now everything was different.
    She might have missed the homemade sign, propped up between the mailbox and the little red flag, if her headlights had not shone directly on the words Room For Rent , in big, bold letters.
    Pulling cautiously into the driveway, Melissa sat there with the car idling, giving her full attention to a tidy front-gable brick cottage. The land stretched out on either side, dwarfing the house somewhat. When she shut off the ignition, she could hear a host of crickets chirping through the car window. What peace! She longed to sit still, staring up at the expanse of sky and the sliver of a moon.
    The front porch light beckoned to her, and she saw that a lovely grapevine wreath with blazing scarlet sage interspersed with ivy and other greenery made for a quaint greeting. Several lamps were still lit throughout the whole house.
    Is it too late to knock? she wondered.
    Melissa checked the time on the dashboard and saw that it was nearly nine o’clock. She hesitated, thinking how she would feel about company at such a time— if she were still at home. But the sign on the mailbox seemed to indicate a vacancy, and now that she looked, there was a sign in the front window, as well.
    Getting out of the car, she hurried up the porch steps, realizing she needn’t rush anymore. She was fairly safe here on the back byways of Lancaster County. She lifted her hand to ring the bell when the door opened and a woman, not many years older than Melissa, greeted her with a warm smile. “Hello, there,” the Plain woman said. “Are you looking for a room?”
    “As a matter of fact, I am,” Melissa replied, noticing the small netting-type cap, the hair bun beneath, the high neckline, tucked bodice, and long, flowing dress with tiny lavender flowers. The very garb Ali had been so eager to discuss. “I might be staying only one night, if that’s all right.”
    “Oh yes … ’Course you can stay as long or as short as you please.” The screen door was opened to her and she was welcomed inside. “Please, just make yourself at home.”
    “Thank you.” Melissa felt strange, not knowing the woman’s name, but she didn’t ask. Instead, she followed the slender brunette up the stairs, where she was shown the spare room and agreed to take it. She was surprised at the price. Thirty dollars per night, including breakfast. The lovely room would be offered at a discount if she decided to stay longer.
    “My name is Lela Denlinger,” the cheerful woman said.
    “I’m Melissa.” She gave only her first name, purposely. “I suppose you have a telephone?” she asked, hoping she hadn’t stumbled into an Amish household where phones were taboo.
    Lela smiled, pointing to the phone in the kitchen. “Oh my, yes, and you’re welcome to use it anytime. My home is your home … for as long as you choose