Tracie Peterson by Tidings of Peace Read Free Book Online

collecting these things for years,” she said offhandedly.
    David could see the truth in that. Homemade decorations, as well as a couple of store-bought ones, were found within the trunk.
    “See this one?” Rachel said, holding up a little snowman. “I made it at school when I was ten years old. And this one,” she said, putting the snowman aside and retrieving a tiny stable scene, “was carved by Grandpa Bennett. He’s quite an artist when it comes to whittling wood.”
    David could see for himself the craftsmanship. He could instantly tell the various figures—Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus. Christmas was a holiday that made its way even into the homes of Jewish families—not in celebration, but rather out of simple overwhelming attention. Stores rarely had Hanukkah sales, but they always showed their Christmas spirit.
    Then, holding up a tiny silk and wood lantern, Rachel smiled. “This might seem a strange ornament, but the Akimotos gave it to my parents when they first moved to town. William was just a little boy and his father, Yoshimi Akimoto, gave this to my father as a gesture of goodwill.”
    “Too bad they didn’t remember that goodwill at Pearl,” David muttered and turned away.
    “You truly hate all Japanese?” Rachel asked softly.
    “Yes,” he stated matter-of-factly. “And you should too. They killed your brother. They bombed us in the peacefulness of a Sunday morning.” He felt his anger push aside any residual feelings of Yuletide warmth.
    “Mother said you felt this way. She told us to avoid discussing anything, but . . .” Rachel seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say next.
    “Go ahead,” David encouraged. “I’m not afraid to talk about it if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m a big boy. I can take whatever life dishes out, and I can certainly handle anything you throw at me.”
    Rachel winced and he immediately regretted his tone. They’d just experienced such a tender moment at lunch. How could he throw that away in his anger at the Japanese? It was one thing to be mad at the enemy, but she didn’t deserve his rage.
    “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you. I didn’t even mean to lose my temper the other night at the shop. I just can’t understand how you can be so forgiving of a people who did this horrible thing. You weren’t there. The only effect it had on you is Kenny will never come home.”
    “I suppose you’re right,” she said, lowering her gaze. “Losing Kenny was so painful. He was so happy—so full of life. No one thought he would die. At least I never thought he would die.” Her voice broke with emotion before she turned back to the ornaments. “We can carry this trunk downstairs. There are a couple of other boxes, but I can handle them.”
    David couldn’t leave things like this between them. He ignored the trembling he felt inside and reached out to touch her shoulder. “I really am sorry.”
    Rachel turned, and there were tears in her eyes. “I’ve just never known anyone who hated something or someone so much.”
    “Then you’re lucky,” David said, dropping his hold.
    “Can’t you at least forgive people for being of the same race and nation? The Akimotos are good people. They were the first ones here to help Mom deal with the news. They cried with her, and William was so angry he threatened to go join up and see all the armies of the enemy defeated. He probably would have, but Sarah was already expecting their second baby.”
    David could only stare at her blankly. Her words shot all sorts of holes in his defense of a hatred he’d carried around with him for well over a year. “Their people killed your brother—my friend.”
    “ We are their people, David,” she replied softly. Glancing up at him, she shook her head. “I’m sorry that you can’t see the truth.”
    “Your truth, maybe. Not mine.”
    “I can understand that you’re angry,” she said, trying hard toregain control of her