When she had awakened shortly after sunrise and crawled wearily out of bed, her aching body protesting, she had been surprised to see that the blizzard that had raged since before Jeremiah left, had dissipated. She had gazed out upon the calm, serene looking farmyard in stunned disbelief, before falling to her knees and thanking God for his wisdom in causing the much needed respite from the blizzards that had tormented them and their neighbors over the past two weeks. Before closing the prayer, she had also that he allow Jeremiah to return home soon to her and the girls.
"You must be some durn fool, Jeremiah, to even try to attempt a walk into town in this blazed weather!" Thomas Cine commented dryly.
He slapped Jeremiah on the back as he handed the young man a hot cup of coffee. Jeremiah sat bundled in heavy quilts, in a rocking chair, next to a roaring fire in the center of the Cine's sitting room. His stocking feet were propped up onto the rock foundation of the fireplace, the heat from the fire, drying his socks and warming his nearly frozen feet. As his feet began to thaw out, sharp pains arose in them and shot upward to his calves. He didn't wince or speak of his discomfort, knowing that the pain he was feeling was a good sign. He wouldn't be losing any of his toes today.
"I reckon, you can call me anything that ya like, Tom. I rather be a fool than allow my wife and children to go hungry. Killed the sows I was hoping, to keep through winter, just to put meat on the table. Tried my hand at hunting a day or two, when the blizzards first started, but it was no use. No animal was about. Can't says how I blame them much." Jeremiah told his friend.
"I hear ya. On how hard it be. Living in town does have its moments, despite the nightly ruckus and all. Are Theresa and the young'uns alright?" Tom said, sitting down in a worn armchair.
"They were alright when I set out yesterday morning. The sows that I killed will last them a few days, along with what staples we have left. Theresa will use it wisely. She is rather handy at making things stretch a little farther than they usually would." Jeremiah told him, pride for his wife's accomplishments evident in his voice. " I do want to see to buying supplies and hiring a horse or someone to take me home. I don't want to cause Theresa any more worry than necessary." "Don't you worry none about gittin' home late. I have a runner in the barn that I will let you use to truck your supplies home in. Rest of for awhile, then Maude will have a meal made for us. I 'spect you'll be home before nightfall, God willin'." Tom told him.
"You're a good friend, Tom." Jeremiah said, as he felt himself begin to fall asleep. His head was full of the supplies they needed and his family. "Jelly," he muttered sleepily. "I can't forget to bring home jelly for the girls."
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