The Divided Family by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

with other snowbirds staying in Pinecraft.” Elsie placed the card back on the table. “I’m glad he was able to make this trip. It’s hard to believe he’s been there a week an a half already.”
    “Jah. Henry’s a nice man, and I’m sure he’s been lonely since your daed passed on. I’m glad he’s having a good time down there.” Aunt Verna crunched on her candy.
    Elsie picked up the bills, setting them on her dad’s rolltop desk to pay.
    “You know, Elsie, I still don’t understand why you want me to stay here.” Aunt Verna put both hands on her hips and frowned, her upbeat countenance suddenly changing. “I was perfectly happy helping out at Doris’s. Besides, I thought you and Arlene wanted to search for your daed’s will.”
    “We do, but we thought it would be better if you were helping us since you said previously that Dad told you where he’d put the will.” Elsie made sure her explanation was loud enough for her aunt to hear. “Arlene and I will take turns helping out at Doris’s, while the other one is here sorting things with you.”
    “Guess that makes sense, but as I’ve said, I don’t remember where my bruder said he put it.” Aunt Verna took a seat at the table and massaged her forehead. “That’s the problem with getting older. You lose your thinker, and your ears don’t work so good anymore. Makes me feel
nixnutzich
sometimes.”
    Elsie patted her aunt’s shoulder. “You’re not worthless. I appreciate you staying here and helping me sort things.” She gestured to the refrigerator. “In addition to doing more sorting, I’d like to clean that, inside and out, as well as defrost the freezer section. The last time I put something in there for Glen, I noticed it was thick with ice.”
    “I could bake some peanut butter
kichlin
while you’re doing that. I’ll bet Glen would enjoy having some when he gets home from work this evening.”
    Elsie smiled. “I know he would. Peanut butter is my eldest son’s favorite kind of cookie. After we’re done in the kitchen we can do more sorting and searching.”
    Aunt Verna tipped her head. “What did you say?”
    Elsie repeated herself.
    “Oh, okay. I’ll get started on the kichlin right away.”
    While Aunt Verna got out the baking supplies, Elsie set a pan of warm water in the freezer, hoping the ice would thaw while she cleaned the inside of the refrigerator.
    By the time the first batch of cookies had been taken from the oven, the ice in the freezer had melted enough so Elsie could begin chipping away what was left. Removing a bag of frozen peas, she was surprised to discover a gallon-size plastic bag behind it. At first, she thought it was empty, but on closer look, she realized there was large manila envelope inside. “How strange. I wonder what this could be.”
    Elsie opened the plastic bag and took out the envelope. After reading the words on the outside, written in black marking pen, she gasped. “It’s Dad’s will! I’ve found the will!”
    Aunt Verna dropped her spatula on the counter and hurried over. “Did you say you found your daed’s will?”
    “Jah.”
    “Where was it?”
    “In there.” Elsie pointed to the freezer section. “It was behind a package of frozen peas.”
    Aunt Verna stood several seconds, blinking her eyes rapidly. Suddenly, her mouth opened wide and she screeched. “
Ach,
my! I remember now. How could I have been so
schlappich
?”
    Elsie’s forehead wrinkled. “What do you mean? How were you careless?”
    Aunt Verna took a seat at the table and motioned for Elsie to do the same. “This is so unbelievable, I barely believe it myself.”
    Desperate to know more, Elsie clutched her aunt’s arm. “Do you know why Dad’s will was in the freezer? Did he put it there?”
    “No, he did not.” Aunt Verna’s cheeks reddened. “I remember it all now, as though it happened yesterday.” She sucked in a quick breath and continued. “When your daed told me he’d made out a will and had