A Child's Heart, page 3

The next day after breakfast, Wendol went out to get water. He knelt down on the dock and dipped his pail into the cold lake, and slowly pulled it back up. Then he headed back to the fishing shack. As soon as he opened the door, he heard Rylen and Justace arguing. “Justace, how many times do I have to tell you; stop fussin’ over me! What are you, a shrink?” “Well excuse me for caring about you!” Justace said frustratedly. Rylen threw down the broom she was holding and ran out, slamming the door. Justace sat down on his cot and buried his face in his hands. Wendol set the water bucket down and walked over to him. “What’s wrong? Why did Wylen run away? Why was both you yelling?” Justace looked up. “She’ll be back.” He assured Wendol. “She got mad when I asked her how she was feeling, and told her I was sorry how her father treated her.” Justace stood up and went to boil the water. “And Wendol…” He said. “I’m sorry I was yelling.” A bit later, Rylen retuned. “Wylen!” Wendol said as he ran to her. “Welcome back. I kept your supper warm.” Justace said. Rylen glared and took the plate Justace was handing her. They all ate in silence, then went to bed. That night, a noise woke Wendol up. He got up and tiptoed into the other room where Rylen’s cot was. There he found her with the blanket over her head, crying. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Wylen?” He whispered. “What’s wrong?” “Nothin’s wrong. Now go away and let me sleep!” Said Rylen gruffly from under the covers. Wendol quietly returned to his cot. Early the next morning, Justace woke Rylen and Wendol. “Get up, guys. It’s time for church.” Rylen sat up with a start. “Church!?” She looked dumbfounded. “Yes, church.” Justace replied with a grin. “Where is the church?” Asked Wendol curiously “Why, it’s right here, kiddo!” Justace exclaimed “Now let’s start with some songs.” Justace led them in “How Great Thou Art” and “There Is A Fountain”. Then he brought out a little green bible from under his pillow and read a few chapters from Psalms and Romans. Rylen fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat, while Wendol seemed to greatly enjoy the quaint little church service.