The gray Sunday morning hung heavy over Sommerfield, a muted sky threatening rain, the air thick with muggy stillness. Despite the gloom, a sense of calm pervaded the Jones family home. The family had gathered in the cozy kitchen for a leisurely breakfast, a rare moment of unhurried togetherness. With no need to rush, they set out in Sally's l station wagon, a quiet drive through the sleepy town.
They arrived at the church of the Good Shepherd in the mid morning, a sanctuary of faith and community in the heart of Sommerfield. The church grounds, adorned with a meticulously maintained garden, exuded a sense of serenity. On the path leading to the church, a volunteer teacher engaged in earnest conversation with the Reverend, poring over notes meticulously prepared for the day's sermon.
As Becky and her parents approached the group, her eyes fell upon the Sunday school teacher, Sarah Peterson. She stood with an air of quiet confidence, her ash brown hair formally braided, her attire composed of a crisp white shirt and a navy blue cardigan, every button fastened in place. It had been years since Becky had seen her and she marveled at the transformation. The carefree youth she remembered had matured into a responsible adult, her demeanor etched with a sense of dedication and patience.
Becky paused for a moment, admiring Sarah's conscientiousness. Memories of their shared past flooded back – she was a few years her senior in high school, the older sister of Eli Peterson, her classmate, and first boyfriend. Becky watched her, quietly impressed by her transformation, a testament to the passage of time and the changes it wrought upon them all.
Under the weak sun which barely broke through the gray, Sally led the way, guiding Becky to the small gathering of familiar faces. Reverend Anderson, a kind, elderly man, smiled warmly as he welcomed them. Sally exchanged pleasantries with him before turning her attention to Sarah.
"Good morning, Reverend Anderson, Sarah. I've brought along a surprise guest this morning."
Sarah's eyes flickered with recognition as they landed on Becky. A genuine smile spread across her face at the sight of her. "Hello, Becky! Welcome back to our church." She said, her tone filled with genuine happiness.
Becky, feeling a mix of nostalgia and warmth, turned to Sarah. "I didn't know you were a Sunday school teacher. It's great to see you again."
The Reverend, with a kind smile, joined the conversation. "It's nice to see you all again," he said warmly. "Sarah, I trust everything will go well with Sunday class, but I must be off to oversee the service preparation."
With a polite nod, the Reverend excused himself, his clergy stole swaying gently as he hurried towards the church, his mind already focused on the tasks ahead.
Sally, always thinking ahead, gently suggested, "Becky is studying to become a vet in university," she explained, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Perhaps she can share her experiences with the children, show them how the love of animals is an extension of the love of God."
Sarah's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That's a wonderful idea, Sally. We'd all love to hear Becky's experiences and the wisdom she can impart."
Sarah nodded as she took the box of cakes and cookies from Sally before she gestured towards the classroom, inviting Becky to join her. Nervous but bolstered by her mom's confident nod and wink, Becky followed Sarah towards the classroom.
As they walked side by side towards the Sunday school classroom, Becky couldn't help but be curious about Sarah's role in the church. She decided to strike up a conversation with her.
"When did you start teaching at Sunday school? I actually don't ever remember seeing you at the church before." Becky inquired.
Sarah thought for a moment, her gaze reflecting on the past. "I've been doing it for the past two years," she replied. "You know, I've always derived so much meaning from my faith. I wanted to give back to my community and share the gift I had been given."
Becky admired her dedication. "That's a wonderful thing to do," she remarked. "The church has always been an important part of the community, not just for spiritual guidance but for the charity and good deeds it does in relief work and bringing the community together."
Sarah looked at Becky with a sense of pride. "I'm glad that the difference is being felt," she said. "The Reverend is very insistent that the church not only spreads the word of the gospel but it does its work through the deeds it performs. How have you been, Becky, I hear you are back from your studies in California, that sounds incredible."
Becky's nerves began to surface as she contemplated speaking to the class about herself. "I've been nervous," she admitted. "Nervous about speaking to the class about myself."
Sarah chuckled, offering reassurance. "The class is a great group of kids. They would be so pleased to see you."
Becky nodded, her trepidation slightly eased. She shifted the focus back to Sarah. "And how have you been? How's Eli doing?"
Sarah spoke with warmth in her voice. "I've been well. When I'm not helping out at the church, I work at Steve Williams' machine shop, doing inventory and bookkeeping." She sighed before she continued, "As for Eli, we hardly see him back home. He's so busy with his studies in Chicago. He is just like you Becky. He was never going to stay constrained in a small town like Sommerfield."
Becky looked surprised. "What, Eli has never been back since graduating high school?"
Sarah shook his head, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "He barely ever calls home either. Eli's probably too busy with his commitments or something of the kind. I do miss my younger brother a bit," Sarah admitted. "Seeing you reminds me of Eli as well, when you used to go over to our house, and you and Eli would study together in his room, doors closed!"
Becky chuckled at the memories. "Oh, Sarah, that feels like a lifetime ago!" She added with a playful tone, "I feel old thinking about the past." The nostalgia hung in the air, connecting their shared experiences in this small town they both called home.
As Sarah and Becky reached the small detached classroom at the end of the concrete path, the excited chatter of children spilled through the open windows. Sarah turned to Becky, a reassuring smile on her face, as she prepared to open the door. Becky, despite her earlier trepidation, met her gaze with borrowed confidence, exhaling deeply in an attempt to quell her nervousness.
The door swung open with a creak as Sarah turned the handle, and the class of around fifteen young children, their bright, eager eyes shining, turned their attention toward the newcomers. Sarah walked to the front of the class with Becky in tow.
"Good morning, class," Sarah began, her voice warm and welcoming. "We have a very special guest with us here today. Everyone, say hello to Becky."
The children chimed in unison, their voices filled with enthusiasm. "Hello, Becky!"
Sarah continued, "Excellent. Becky grew up in Sommerfield, but she is currently studying to become a vet at a university in California. She will be sharing with us her experiences."
The mention of a future vet drew excited murmurs and eager questions from the children, their inquisitive minds already buzzing with curiosity.
But before they could delve into their questions, Sarah directed their attention to the more solemn task at hand. "Alright, before we start, let us pray."
The classroom fell into a hushed silence as the children bowed their heads in reverence. Becky, following their lead, bowed her head as well, her nervousness easing slightly in the presence of these open-hearted children.
"Dear Lord," Sarah began, her voice filled with sincerity, "thank you for bringing Becky, our special guest, to Sunday school. Bless her as she shares her wisdom about being a vet. Open our hearts to learn from her and help us to show kindness and care to all your creatures. In your name, we pray. Amen."
A chorus of softly spoken "amens" resonated through the room.
Sarah then picked up two chairs from the corner of the room and placed them before the class. With a warm smile, she and Becky sat down, and Sarah took the lead in guiding the lesson.
"So, Becky," Sarah began, "I know this was a last-minute thing, and you may not have had time to prepare. I was wondering if you're okay with letting the class ask questions, and then maybe you could answer them?"
Becky nodded gratefully, turning her attention toward the eager faces before her. The nervousness was still there, but it was now accompanied by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation for the enlightening discussion that awaited.
A small hand shot up amidst the sea of eager faces, and all eyes turned toward a young girl, her Sunday best attire pristine, two neatly tied pigtails framing her cherubic face.
"Hello miss Becky, what is your favorite animal, and do you have pets of your own?" she asked with an innocence that tugged at Becky's heartstrings.
Becky couldn't help but smile at the sweet inquiry. "Well," she began, her voice soft, "I love all animals. But having worked and studied in the city, I've mostly worked with dogs and cats. I've grown very fond of them as a result. At the moment, I don't have a pet of my own because where I live at the university is quite small. But when I was little, my family had a dog, so I hope to one day be able to live with a pet again. How about all of you? Who has a pet at home?"
A multitude of tiny hands shot up enthusiastically, and a young boy at the back of the class couldn't contain his excitement. "My family has a dog, and his name is Bacon!" he exclaimed, prompting laughter throughout the classroom.
Becky's eyes twinkled as she nodded appreciatively. "That's certainly a special name," she remarked. "I like it a lot."
Sarah, who had been observing the interaction with a sense of pride, was pleased to see Becky starting to relax and connect with the children. Many more questions were asked as Becky expertly fielded them, sharing anecdotes and stories about her life and her passion for animals. The classroom buzzed with energy as Becky became a beloved guest in their Sunday school.
After an eventful session filled with questions and answers, Becky bid farewell to the class as she prepared to join the church service. The children together with Sarah offered their thanks and a fond farewell, affectionately bestowing upon her the title of "Dr. Becky," a nickname she accepted graciously. However, she gently reminded them that she was still a student and couldn't officially be called a veterinarian doctor.
As Becky left the classroom, walking across the yard and through the double doors of the church, her spirits were lifted.
As she filed through the massing congregation, she politely greeted the familiar faces in the community, her heart warmed by the connections she had rekindled in her hometown. She eventually found her way to her parents, who were already seated on a pew toward the middle of the church, ready to participate in the service. Sally, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, leaned in to speak to her daughter.
"How did the Sunday class go?" Sally eagerly asked.
Becky's face lit up with enthusiasm as she shared her experience. "It went really well," she replied. "The children are such angels. They asked really thoughtful questions, and I was genuinely interested to hear all the stories that they shared with me."
Sally beamed confidently with pride, a satisfied grin gracing her face. "I told you it was going to be great."
Soon after, the reverend entered the church, accompanied by the soothing melodies of an unseen organist playing an electric organ. As the reverend's welcoming and opening words filled the air, Becky felt a profound sense of belonging wash over her. It was discordant with the lapsed faith that had developed since her years away from Sommerfield. It was as if the church itself was the beating spiritual heart of the life she had always known as a child, a time more simple and unmuddied by the gray morals of the world beyond.
The church's interior, with its subdued colors, white walls, and simple, aged wood, radiated a sense of tranquility and timeless tradition. The congregation's muted attire reflected a shared commitment to the faith that had bound this community for generations.
Becky listened to the reverend's sermon, his words delivered at a measured pace, speaking of gratefulness for the blessings of the local harvest, the lifeblood of their rural community. He emphasized unwavering humility in the face of one's perceived achievements and resilience in difficult times. The importance of family bonds and the sanctity of marriage were central themes. The reverend concluded by offering a heartfelt prayer for those going through challenging times, asking for solace from the Lord.
With the sacrament, hymns, and readings complete, the congregation filed out of the church and into the green churchyard. It was a time for socializing, and this was the moment Sally had longed for all morning. She took Becky by the hand and proudly paraded her to her friends, who eagerly greeted the young woman with warmth and affection, embracing her back into the heart of the community.
Working her way through the bustling congregation, Sally's eyes finally landed on the impeccably dressed Maggie Fenton, her close friend from their various social engagements, and the mother of Dan Fenton, who had been Becky's best friend since elementary school.
"Sally!" Maggie exclaimed as she caught sight of Sally, she turned around, her carefully styled blonde hair held in a neat bun, unmoving despite her swift motion. She enveloped Sally in a tight hug before her gaze shifted to Becky, her face lighting up with genuine delight. She reached out and embraced Becky tightly.
"Oh my word, I've missed you, Becky," Maggie exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth. "You look even prettier after all these years. Your mother has been endlessly talking about you coming back. Actually, that explains why Dan returned from Millerton for the weekend."
Becky's attention shifted to Dan, who stood a little further away, his long sleeve flannel shirt exuding formality despite its weathered look. He had grown a short beard which complemented his dark brown hair which had lost none of its luster. Becky studied him, noticing the subtle changes in his appearance. He seemed more rugged, more physical, yet there was an undeniable neatness, a sense of confidence in his demeanor. Seeing him again sparked a mixture of emotions within her – longing, surprise, and a deep satisfaction at his presence.
Beside Dan stood his younger sister, Mary, her eyes filled with adoration as she listened intently to her brother. Meanwhile, their father, Paul Fenton, stood off to the side, seemingly detached from the family conversation. His focus only shifted to the group when he noticed Sally had worn her hair differently today.
Becky yearned to catch up with Dan, to bridge the gap of years that had passed between them. Yet, the crowded surroundings dictated otherwise. It would be impolite to pull him away, so she settled for polite conversation with her mother and Maggie. They discussed Becky's holiday plans in Sommerfield, the duration of her stay, and other trivial matters. In return, Becky asked Maggie about her social calendar, upcoming events, and her thoughts on the church service – a topic of desperation that allowed the conversation to struggle forwards.
As Maggie responded to Becky's questions, Becky felt a gentle hand placed on her shoulder. She turned her head to find Dan's smiling face greeting her. His neatly trimmed beard and the beginnings of creases around his eyes hinted at the passage of time, but his eyes still radiated the exact same happiness and contentment that enveloped him whenever he saw her. Their eyes met, and in that moment, unspoken emotions passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of their shared history and the unspoken connection that still lingered.
"Becky Jones, how have you been?" Dan's words, simple as they were, carried the weight of the years. The two old friends embraced, and as Becky's body sank into Dan's welcoming hug, it was as if the distance of time had melted away. His solid frame and strong arms held her close, and Becky found herself melting into his embrace. She didn't care that their families were watching; all that mattered was the overwhelming warmth of being with him again.
Mary, Dan's younger sister, was quick to join the reunion. "Hey, Becky, you haven't forgotten me have you?" she chimed in.
Becky reluctantly let go of Dan and embraced Mary warmly. "Mary, look how grown up you've become!" Becky exclaimed. "I've missed you a lot. I need to know everything that I've missed."
Mary's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "You've missed so much, Becky. We've got a bead shop in Sommerfield now," she shared. With excitement, Mary showed off a chain bracelet on her wrist, adorned with small silver charms in the shape of various animals.
Becky admired the bracelet and complimented Mary. "That's adorable, Mary. You've picked out a good combination there."
Mary beamed with pride and rotated her wrist to show off her creation to Dan, who chuckled with joy.
Sally and Ted approached Dan, Sally extending her arms to embrace him like a long-lost son. She placed her hands on Dan's broad shoulders, impressed by the transformation he had undergone.
"Look at you, Dan," Sally remarked. "You've got arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Dan laughed heartily and exchanged handshakes with Ted.
"And he's got a grip like Arnie too!" Ted added with a grin. "We've missed seeing you around. Where have you been?"
"I've been busy," he said, not elaborating further, before stepping aside to let his parents take the stage in the socializing. Maggie, the center of attention, eagerly engaged in conversation with Sally about the town gossip, while Paul remained aloof, his eyes meeting no one else's, occasionally glancing at Maggie and Sally.
Seizing the opportunity, Becky gently pulled Dan aside, her smile beaming, her eyes alight with anticipation. Brushing aside a few strands of hair from her face, she leaned in, ready to catch up on the years they had lost.
"What brings you back to Sommerfield, Dan?"
Dan's eyes softened as he replied, "Well, you know Mary's always bothering me to visit, so I thought I'd drop in for the day, maybe stay overnight since my shift starts late on Monday."
Becky nodded, a mixture of disappointment and contentment flickering in her eyes. It wasn't the reason she had hoped for, but she was still glad to see him in the flesh after so long.
"And you're living and working in Millerton these days?" she inquired, the questions she had harbored for years, finally with a chance at being answered, "What's that like?"
A spark of joy lit up Dan's face as he spoke about Millerton. "It's a beautiful town," he said. "It shares the same sky and air as Sommerfield, so it's bound to be perfect. It's not as flat as a pancake like Sommerfield, so it even has some views."
In Becky's mind, the scenes of Millerton came to life: old shops with familiar facades, houses without fences between them, neighbors chatting for hours across their patios, all set against the backdrop of a town that buzzed with gossip and commerce.
"You should visit someday," Dan suggested, "I've got a place to crash if you need it. I live in a apartment by mysed just above the place where I work."
"A bachelor pad, huh?" Becky teased, a playful smile on her lips. "Do you have a beer fridge and a dartboard?"
Dan chuckled, appreciating Becky's lighthearted banter. Meanwhile, Mary, who had been hovering at the outskirts of their conversation, decided to insert herself between them.
"Who's got a dartboard?" Mary asked, her curiosity piqued.
Becky smiled at Mary. "Your brother probably," she said, teasingly, "Have you been to Dan's place in Millerton?"
Mary shook her head. "Nope, it's Dan's little secret," she said, shooting a glance at her brother. "He's never once invited me over."
Dan chimed in, his tone diplomatic. "It's hardly easy for you to come all the way to Millerton, Mary. Besides, you need to learn how to drive first."
Mary nodded in agreement, then shuffled closer to Becky, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"Plus, I don't want to annoy Dad by visiting Dan," Mary confessed. "I'm keen to keep receiving my weekly allowance."
Becky nodded discreetly, intrigued by Mary's revelation but deciding not to delve further into the matter, especially in polite company outside the church.
Mary suddenly beamed with pride, her voice booming with excitement. "Guess what, Becky? I've got a job now! There's so much to update you with, and I have so many questions for you," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. "You should come over for dinner tonight. Dan will be here too since he's leaving Sommerfield tomorrow. How about it?"
Dan, touched by Mary's eagerness but aware of the need for proper protocol, gently interjected. "Shouldn't we ask Mom first?" he suggested, looking at Mary.
Mary nodded vigorously. "Yeah, that's right, Dan. You should ask Mom since Becky is your best friend, right?" She turned her wide, innocent eyes toward Dan, waiting for his response.
Becky couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Mary's assertiveness. She joined Mary in staring at Dan, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"I will ask Mom," Dan agreed graciously, "And Becky's parents are invited as well," he added, addressing Becky directly.
"Thank you, Dan. That's really thoughtful of you," Becky said appreciatively.
Excusing himself, Dan made his way to his mother to pose the question, leaving Mary and Becky to share a contented smile as they mingled around the small congregation. Mary eagerly introduced Becky to her friends and classmates, the excitement of their reunion evident in her gestures.
Meanwhile, Ted and Sally stood together on the church lawn, observing the congregants. Ted appeared forlorn and restless, glancing at his watch.
"Are we almost done here?" Ted asked, his impatience apparent. "Folks are already heading off to their cars."
Sally frowned, looking around to assess the situation. "So you want to drive home now, leaving Becky here all by herself?" she countered.
Ted sighed, his restlessness evident. "Of course not. Becky will come home with us. I do have a shop to open later today," he replied, attempting to justify his impatience.
"Well, you can go and tear Becky away from her joyous mingling, I for one am not so cruel. It looks like she's having a great time fluttering about with Mary," Sally suggested to Ted.
Ted looked helplessly at Becky, who was engrossed in conversation with Mary and her friends. He sighed once more, his impatience momentarily overshadowed by the gratitude of having his daughter back home among them.
Breaking his train of thought, Maggie's colorful presence appeared before them, her energy almost scaring Ted. "Sally, how about coming over for dinner tonight? We'd love to catch up with Becky after all these years she's been away," Maggie suggested, her enthusiasm palpable.
As Sally was about to reply, Ted chimed in, speaking for the both of them. "Maggie, really appreciate the invite, but unfortunately, Sally and I are busy with the shop on Sunday. You know we open late on Sunday, so we close up late as well," he said, his tone polite but firm. Sally shot him a look of exasperation, understanding the truth in his words but not appreciating his lack of enthusiasm for socializing.
"However," Ted continued, "Becky would be free to join you. I'm sure she'd be delighted to catch up with Dan and Mary."
Maggie seemed satisfied with Ted's response and placed a friendly hand on both Sally and Ted's arms. "Well, you can always come over next time. You must visit sometime to check out the redecoration I've done to the formal lounge," she said, her excitement contagious.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Sally replied genuinely, showing interest in Maggie's plans.
"Well, folks, I better run. I've got a dinner to plan, as a very important guest is coming over tonight," Maggie said, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"Oh, Maggie, a word of advice," Ted said, leaning in with a playful tone. "Since coming back from California, it seems Becky's appetite has grown exponentially. She eats like a hippo now."
"Ted! That's not the way to speak about our daughter!" Sally chided, "Stop exaggerating, you're scaring Maggie."
Ted playfully motioned to zip up his lips and winked at Maggie, who smiled back appreciating his humor, before she walked away, her mind full of plans.
"Well, looks like I'm stuck with you again at the grocery store tonight," Sally said, her voice dejected, "Sometimes I wish I was young and untethered like Becky."
Ted lovingly put an arm around Sally, drawing her closer. Sally looked at him and smiled.
"How about we have a special event night at the grocery shop tonight? Let's make it a dance night. Sally, you can choose the music, and whenever customers aren't bothering us, we can dance like we used to back in the day," Ted suggested, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Sally considered the idea and nodded, impressed with Ted's imagination. "I was always more of a disco person than a ballroom dancer," she admitted, her mind already forming a playlist of disco hits that could accompany their dance night.
"Oh, honey, you were such a disco vixen back in the day," Ted teased. "Think you can bust out that sequined minidress you used to wear when we were dating?"
Sally laughed, the memories of their younger days bringing a warm nostalgia. "It's hardly appropriate wear for a grocery store, even if I could still fit into it. Since giving birth to Becky, I've traded my hourglass figure for a snow globe!"