"Hey, great call, Steve!" "Sex, drugs and rock and roll!" "Yeah, baby!" "Bring it on!" "You're listening to Portland's uncensored and unafraid..." ""wake your... up' radio!" "Oh, no." "You didn't just beep me?" "I want 'em to hear me say, wake your..." ""Sarah Cain on vacation"?" "Where's my column?" "It's my column, not Bill's column." "Hey!" "Nice driving, you idiot!" "Cutting me off!" "How'd you like it if I cut you off?" "This is all fluff, people." "Nothing but politicians kissing babies... and firemen rescuing kittens." "Does anyone have an actual news story they'd like to suggest?" "I'm still trying to crack that city hall corruption case, but nobody will go on record." "Try?" "Norma, there's no "try" in the news business." "There's only "do."" "This is a newspaper, folks!" "You know, Woodward and Bernstein and all that stuff." "The Oregonian had a terrorist sting operation on page one today." "I got Beanie Babies on page one!" "Why didn't I have terrorists?" "Maybe because you were too busy..." "ripping out my column!" "Sarah, nice of you to join us." "I can't believe you did it to me again, Bill." "That's the third time this month." "Do you really wanna have this conversation right now?" "You know, when my readers turn to "Sarah Cain's World"... they expect my scintillating take on life... not "The Best of Dear Abby."" "We can continue debating this in front of all of your coworkers... or you can stay after class and we'll discuss it... man to man." "Jerry, would you stop?" "Look, I'm flattered, but you're a married man." "I gotta go." "Sorry I'm late, Bill." "That was my lifestyle reporter friend from Channel 4 News." "I'm doing my local celebrity piece on him this week." " No problem, Maddy." " Yeah, it's no problem if you got a body like hers." "Okay, people." "As my hero, Edward R. Murrow, once said..." ""You cannot put out the news with bad work habits. '" "So it's time we step up our game." "Sit down." "Let's talk." "I'd rather stand." "Look, I'm sorry I didn't call you to let you know..." "I was pulling your piece." "But I gotta be honest with you, Sarah." "Lately, your stuff..." "how can I say this nicely?" "...stinks." "I'm a syndicated columnist, Bill." "I have a following." "Correction." "You were a syndicated columnist." "I hate to break it to you, honey, but you ain't in 500 newspapers anymore." "You're down to us and the Coos Bay Clarion." "Look, I do three columns a week." "Once in a while, there's gonna be a clunker in there." "Mmm." "Ah. "Shopping:" "Therapy for the Harried Homemaker"... by Sarah Cain." ""Four Uses for Cheese..." "You Never Imagined"... by Sarah Cain." ""Nail Fungus on the Rise."" "On the rise!" "By you." "Okay." "So maybe I have had... just a little bit of writer's block the past few months." "Okay." "Year." "...s." "But you know what I am capable of, Bill." "Yes, I do, and I want that Sarah Cain back... the one who worked her way out of the newsroom and into the hearts of readers... by writing about love and life and things that really matter." "It's Cheese Lady I can live without." "So what are you saying?" " I'm fired?" " No." "Because you'd just sue me... and my ex-wife's already costing me too much money with lawyers." "Ex-wives." "Whatever." "Look, what I'm saying is, if you can't find your passion for this column again..." "I'm gonna have to put you back in the newsroom... and give your inches to someone else." "Gee." "Let me guess who that would be." "All right." "There she is." "Have you got the plan?" " Yes, sir." " All right." "Great." "Hey, stranger." "How's your day going?" "Nuh-uh." "I don't want to talk about work or Bill or the newspaper or Bill." "No?" "Okay." "Great." "Let's talk about us then." "That man needs to get a heart attack." "Okay." "Let's talk about Bill." "Being a writer is everything that I am." "If I lose that, then who am I?" "Sarah, it's not everything you are." "Okay, you are a strong... sexy... independent... slightly neurotic woman... who craves raising toast on rainy mornings... and who needs more love in her life... which..." "I would be happy to provide, by the way." "Do you know that you're awfully poetic for a computer nerd?" "Anniversaries do that to me." "Who's having an anniversary?" "Uh, S..." "We are." "Bryan." "I am so sorry." "I'm terrible." "This restaurant... our first date." "Here I am, throwing myself a pity party." "It's our anniversary." " Are we ready for dessert?" " Absolutely." "We sat at this table." " Do you remember what we had for dessert?" " Mmm." "Chocolate cheesecake." "You got me hooked." "You know that." "Yoo-hoo!" "Hi!" "Look here." "Look right here." " No." "Right here." " Let's go, guys." "Look, I have paid a lot for this tour... and I would expect a little cooperation." "Just give me one look." "Come on." "G..." "Oh, for heaven's sakes!" "I don't believe it." "Do you believe these people?" "Who do they think they are?" "I think we're ready to take our relationship to the next level." "You want to try a different cheesecake." "I'm dying to try the raspberry." "No, Sarah." "L..." "I want to talk about us." "I know." " I'm avoiding you." " Yes." "Yes, you are." "Why do you do that?" "Why..." "Every time I try to get you to talk seriously about our relationship, you make jokes." "Hold that thought." "Hello." "Speaking." "No." "I'm sorry." "Lyddie who?" "Oh, Lyddie." "Why are you calling me?" "Is everything okay?" "Oh, God." "No, I'm here." "Uh, l-I'll be there." "Thank you." "I'm sorry, Lyddie." "Sarah, what is it?" "Oh, my sister died." "Two days ago." "Her heart... something." "Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry." "It's been so long since I..." "I need to go to Pennsylvania... for her service." "I'm sorry for bailing on our lunch." "I'll call you when I get back." "Uh, shall I wait to serve until the lady returns?" "Uh, no." "Look, we're not gonna be needing the cheesecake." "Thank you." "Hi, Bill." "Listen, I don't mean to be a nudnik... but where's your column for tomorrow?" "By the way, I'm sorry to hear about your sister." " Gee, thanks for your compassion." " Yeah, I know." "I'm a jerk." " So what do you got for me?" " I've got something really good this time." " You don't have anything, right?" " I'll e-mail it to you by deadline tonight." "Look, honey, uh, you've been through a lot." "Why don't I get Madison to do one of her celebrity puff pieces?" "Don't do that to me." "I'm polishing it right now." "I'll e-mail it to you by deadline tonight." " Get Maddy in here for me." " Of course." "I just love being your personal secretary." " Thank you." "Yeah, that sounds great." "Fabulous." " Bill!" "I gotta go." "Aunt Sarah..." "I'm thankful you were able to come." "Lyddie." "I am so sorry." "I don't..." "Danke." "Caleb." "Josiah." "Anna Mae." "Hannah." "I wish it could have been under different circumstances... but I am so very glad to meet all of you." "I'm sorry." "I'm so sorry." "I'm sorry." "I'll look in on you, for sure and for certain." "Ja." "Condolences, Lyddie." "She prayed for you every day, Sarah Cain." "Did you know that?" "No." "Thank you for telling me." "How long will you be staying here in Lancaster County, Sarah Cain?" "Oh, I, uh..." "I fly back tomorrow afternoon." "In fact, I should probably be going to check in to my hotel soon." "Sarah Cain, you've come a long way to say good-bye to Ivy." "It would be a shame for you to rush off so soon." "Yes, Aunt Sarah." "It would be wonderful gut for you to stay here with us tonight." "Okay." "Thank you." "Caleb." "Josiah." "Why don't you bring in Aunt Sarah's things from her car?" "Oh, you need a key." "You just, um, push the blue button on this thingy... and the door will unlock." "Guten Tag." " May I help you?" " Hi." "I'm Charles Eberley." "I'm a caseworker with Pennsylvania Child Services." "I was hoping to talk with a Miss Cain." "I'm Sarah Cain." "Reckon it'd be okay if we just sit in her?" "Unless you're scared." "Was I scared when we snuck into that Englisher's car cemetery... and sat in that schmuzig old truck?" "No." "She's a beauty." "Ain't so?" "Ja." "Wager it's hard to operate with all the whatnot." "Probably not as hard as an ornery buggy horse like our Dobbin." "He ain't ornery." "He's misunderstood." "One time at the fruit stand, I heard an Englisher say... these fancy machines practically drive themselves." "What is this about, Mr. Eberley?" "Miss Cain... are you aware that your sister, Ivy, never filed a legal will?" "No." "I've only had limited contact with her since she became a, um... since she joined the Amish church." "Well, when we received notification of her death... we did a record search, and we discovered... that you are her children's only living relative." "Well, their father was killed a few years ago." " A truck hit his buggy." " Yes." "Well, do you have any idea what this means?" "The law recognizes you as these kids' legal guardian." "No." "I can't be their guardian." "I'm not even Amish." "Unfortunately, religious preference has no bearing in these matters." "You could waive your custodial rights." "But then the children will be placed in the state foster care system... at least until Lyddie turns 18 in a few years and she can care for the children herself." "Mr. Eberley, I promised my mama that I would keep our family together!" "I sympathize, but I'm afraid this is a decision only your aunt can make." "Lyddie!" "It's Caleb!" "He's..." "No!" "Caleb!" "Caleb!" "Are you all right?" " Are you all right?" " Caleb!" "Oh!" "Josiah, come!" "I'm very sorry, Aunt Sarah." " Is anybody hurt?" " I'm..." "I'm very sorry." "You go and get in the buggy!" "Go!" "Go!" " I pray this changes your thinking, Mr. Eberley." " What do you mean?" "Clearly, the Cottrell children should be cared for by their own kind." "No offense, but the decision should not be left to an outsider." "Trust me, Mrs. King." "I'm not asking to make this decision." "We must consult the bishop." " I'm afraid that's not the way that it's..." " Ja." "It is." "Tomorrow the bishop will decide what's best." "Miss Cain, I'll come back tomorrow... but I'll need a decision by then." "Wait..." "I hope you don't mind sleeping in Mama's room." "No." "It'll be fine." "Going Dutch:" "Why Women Should..." "Pay Their Own Way." "Okay." "Now even I'm bored." "Why didn't you leave a will, Ivy?" "Mama was 19, and you 16." "I can't believe she kept all of this." "She used to tell me the story of your last summer together... by the seashore, before she left home." " She used to call them..." " Seashell memories." "I never forgave her for leaving me." "She remembered that too." "I know this is asking more than I have a right... but is there any hope that you would consider moving in here with us... just... just until I'm of age?" "Lyddie... the nearest thing to family I've ever had is a goldfish." "I'm the last person you want helping raise these kids." "I knew Mama was wrong." "What do you mean by that?" "Nothing." "Forgive me for asking." "Today I went to a funeral... my sister's funeral." "Hope you like it, Bill, 'cause the well is dry." "There are many Plain families in the district... who could provide these children with good homes." "The Lapps from Grasshopper Level, ja." "They have a spare room, with their boy Eli married off." "True." "Und perhaps the Lauds over in Strasburg... and Mammi Elizabeth out in Paradise." "Though she has been taken with rather poor health these days." "I'm sorry." "Either Miss Cain takes custody, or we'll find good foster families for the children." "Nein." "Plain children should be raised Plain... as their parents intended." "The English should not decide." "The English have to decide, Bishop." "It's the law." "You have to live by the laws of the English." " Nein." "Nein!" " Miss Cain." "Miss Cain, I'm going to need your decision." "Miss Cain." "Your decision." "Please don't give us away to some stranger, Aunt Sarah." "Please." "Quiet down." "Either Sarah Cain should move into the Cottrell house and take care of them herself... or she should sign her guardianship to Plain families... who will raise them according to the Ordnung." "These are the only two sensible choices." "No, Bishop." "There's a third choice." "We got to go now, Josiah." "You're my best friend, Dobbin." "I'll never forget you, boy." "It's time." "Farewell." "Okay." "Here we are." "We're not in Lancaster County anymore." "Come on in." "Come on!" "It's okay." "Do you suppose this is where we'll be bathing?" "You don't have stars here." "Yeah, we do." "You just can't see them very well because of all the city lights." "Don't you miss seein' 'em?" "I guess I've gotten used to not seeing them." "Oh, I could never get used to that." ""Dat" always said stars are pinholes in the curtains of heaven." "We've got fried rice, cashew chicken... sweet and sour pork and egg rolls." "I'm guessing this is your surprise." "Yeah." "Let me make the introductions." "Bryan Ford, these are my nieces and nephews..." "Lyddie, Hannah..." "Anna Mae, Caleb and Josiah Cottrell." "I'm terribly sorry about your mother's passing." "Danke." "Why don't we put these flowers in some water?" "Help me." "Yeah." "Danke." "Danke." "Just so I'm clear, what exactly is going on here?" "I had to bring them here to stay with me temporarily." "Till Lyddie turns 18." "Okay." "When's that?" "Uh, she's 16." "Sixteen?" "Are you kidding me?" "Sarah, "temporary" is two weeks, you know?" "A month." "It's not two years." "Look, Ivy didn't say anything before she died... about what should happen to them." "I'm their legal guardian." "This is crazy." "Sarah, they're Amish, for Pete's sake." "They're far better at taking care of themselves than we are." "I couldn't let the state split them up." "All right?" "And no one in their community would take them all in." "I didn't have any other choice but to bring them home with me." "How are they gonna make it in the city?" "How are you gonna fit this into your life, our life?" "I haven't figured it all out yet." " Well..." " Okay?" "I can handle it." "Sure." "What are you getting all bent out of shape about?" "What?" "Sarah, I think I've earned the right to be a little freaked out here." "You're acting like I did this to hurt you... like you're disappointed that they're here." "Sarah, I have nothing against the kids, all right?" "I love kids." "I want to have a million kids someday." "I'm disappointed in you." "Why?" "You say you want me in your life... and then you go and do something like this." "You know, you've really never let me in all the way." "I'm sorry if I have trust issues, okay?" "People in my life don't usually stick around... so I have to fend for myself." "Sarah, I am not your mother... or your father... or your sister." "And I am not going anywhere." "But you have got to stop shutting me out." "Okay?" "Okay." "Sorry." "Excuse us." "It is how we show we have enjoyed the meal." "That was very beautiful, children." "We were singing about Jesus, the light of the world." "I don't think she's interested in what we sing about, Hannah." "Why would you think that, Anna Mae?" "Because Mama told us she wrote you many letters... trying to tell you about God." "And you never once wrote back." "It's a little bit more complicated than just that." "There wasn't much in the kitchen for breakfast... but I found some milk and flour... and made some biscuits and gravy." "We left a plate for you." "You guys did all that?" "Look, I'm sorry the cupboard was so bare." "Which reminds me..." "I want you guys to know..." "I always keep money in here in case of emergency... like there's no food in the house." "We would never steal your money." "No, no." "It wouldn't be stealing." "It's for "just in case," okay?" "Good." "So we will load up on groceries... after we get you guys registered for school and shop for new clothes." "That won't be necessary." "The clothes, I mean." "I just thought maybe we could look for some non-Amish clothes." "Make things easier if you guys..." "Easier isn't something we seek." "Plain is how we were raised and how we will stay... even while we are here with one foot in your world." "Okay." " Okay." " Okay." "Okay." "Coffee." "As much as I personally love Snoop Dogg... our dress code for the boys is no T-shirts... which flash gang colors or drop obscenity bombs of any kind." "And no saggy pants which show off their drawers." "For the girls, there will be no short shorts, tube tops... or wearing their underwear on the outside." "I don't think any of those are gonna be a problem... with these kids." "Mm-hmm." "I'll need to see notarized proof of legal guardianship... birth certificates, transcripts from their old schools..." "And updated shot records." "Wow." "What do you mean, "wow"?" "That was a very troubled "wow."" "Well, the thing is... it might be hard for me to get all of those things... because... they're Amish." "As in straw hats... horse and buggies and beards..." "the whole nine yards?" "Yeah, except for the beards." "In that case, you'll need to fill out Form "R"... waiving all documentation on religious grounds." "Oh!" "Yea for Form "R."" "This ought to be interesting." "Check it out." "The Pilgrims have landed." "Nice getup." "Looks like what my grandpa wears." "Danke." "What's "danke'?" "Did he just dis me in Pilgrim?" "Boys and girls, this is Hannah." "She just moved here from Pennsylvania." "Normally, at school, we don't wear hats, but Hannah is Amish." "In her religion, her hat is called a prayer cap." "It's part of how she dresses." "Who wants to be Hannah's reading buddy?" "Six is a wonderful gut age." "The readers are eating this up." "A lady called the newsroom, crying her heart out." "She said, "This Amish story is too good to be true."" " It is true, isn't it?" " Every word." "Right now, those kids are sitting in a classroom right here in Portland." "What school?" "You know, in case we want to do a little photo shoot." "No." "Amish do not like to have their photographs taken." "Because it'll steal their soul or something?" "They're not Hindu, Bill." "They think it's sinful and vain." "What about sketches?" "We can send out a sketch artist." "Forget it!" "Stick figures with little bonnets and straw hats?" "Would you stop?" "I want to preserve at least a little bit of their privacy, okay?" "Bill, I was just wondering if you had..." "Maddy, I'm very busy." "Come back later." "Okay." "If we can't get any art on them... what about going daily with the column?" "Daily?" "You got an endless supply of material here." "The no-photograph thing, for instance." "It's golden!" "Five 19th-century kids in the big city... with a 21 st-century single woman." "You couldn't ask for a better premise than that." "It was a brilliant move, your bringing these kids here." "Uh, but I wasn't planning on it being a regular thing." "What's the harm in milking this for a little while?" "If the kids were okay with once or twice... they'll be fine with a few more installments." "Say, a hundred, right?" "No, I just..." "I don't think it's a good idea, Bill." "L..." "I'll take that for a yes." "This is gonna put you right back on the syndication map." "This is no 500-paper idea." "This is a thousand-paper idea!" "A thousand papers." "I've gone through, like, three lip glosses since yesterday." "Don't look now, but Taylor B. Is checking you out." "Where?" "What is that thing?" " Hi, guys." " Oh, hey, Courtney." "This is Anna Mae." "In case you couldn't tell, she's Amish." "She just moved here from Pennsylvania." "Mr. Jones said I had to show her around today." "Oh, my gosh, Stacey." "Her uniform's to die for." "It's not a uniform." "This is how I always dress." "It's so thrift shop." "Totally vintage." "What's "vintage"?" "Old-looking." "Old is the new new." "My clothes aren't old." "My mama made them." "Handmade is so in right now." "That look would never work on me, but you really pull it off." "I think I just found my new screen saver." "Screen saver?" " You can sit here." " They were very nice." " Totally." " All right." "Let's settle down." "We're gonna start today..." "1868..." "Reconstruction period." "Remember." "Friday, we need the workshop signatures signed... so bring that statement in with you." "Gentlemen, today we're going to get a little introduction... into the sport of freestyle wrestling." "Although most of you would rather be trolling the Internet... you actually do have more muscles in your body... than the one that holds your computer mouse." "Okay." "Who's gonna be my first two victims?" "How 'bout Farmer John?" "He looks like he's wrestled a few pigs." "Ja." "I have wrestled pigs." "Good idea, Quigley." "It'll be you and the new kid, "Cottrell," up first." "Should've stayed home today, cow pie." "Club wrestling, three-time regional champ." "Okay, guys." "We're gonna go 60 seconds to see what you know." "Okay?" "Ready?" "Get your hands up." "How does that floor taste, "Cot-rat"?" "Your mama probably wrestles better than you." "Whoa." "It's okay, son." "Match over." " Good job, Cottrell." " It's Cottrell, sir." "That's what I said." "You got any more moves like that, Cottrell?" "A few." "I hold down the cows when they're birthing." "You ever wrestle on a team, son?" " No, sir." " You do now." "Come and see me in my office after school." "I'll get you your gear." "You got your first match tomorrow." "My beloved Levi... it has only been a short time since we arrived... and I already miss you so very much." "It is a very strange world Aunt Sarah lives in... and I already fear this new place is encroaching on our ways." "Levi, please pray for me." " This was not the way I planned for this to happen." " Pray for me, sister!" "I don't understand why God would allow us to have to move here." "I thought he would let me raise the children myself and that he would grow in... and that you and I would grow in our love for each other." "Please pray God will help me help the children... stay true to our faith... and that he will protect us from temptations... of which I fear there will be many." "I do not know how we will survive living this way till my 18th birthday." "Hurry up!" "If my mom had her way, she'd dress me like that farm girl." " What's her name?" " Anna Mae." "I thought you said she was all vintage and stuff." "I don't know." "That outfit is so Salem witch trials or something." "If she doesn't try to fit in, she's gonna be a total outcast." "You're probably right." "Don't forget that chemistry test tomorrow, remember?" "I feel like I'm driving an aircraft carrier." "Yes, but this aircraft carrier has got seven seat belts." "And it's like a burping echo chamber for the kids." "I've been meaning to tell you." "I think your pieces on the kids have been amazing." "Thanks." "Thanks?" "That's all you've got to say?" "Usually you hound me for hours until I tell you you're brilliant." "I just don't want to make a big deal out of it." "The kids have been through enough." "What do you mean?" "You haven't even told them?" "What kind of a creep do you think I am?" "They're my nieces and nephews." "Of course I told them." "I'm sorry." "You should be." "It's my house phone." "Josiah!" "I can't leave until their mama comes back." "I brought the baby wrens some worms." " You his parents?" " I'm his aunt." "How long's he been up there?" "Since lunch." "Not to worry." "My ladder team will have him out of there in no time." "He can climb down himself." "Back home, he climbs trees like a squirrel." "Trust me." "I've been on a hundred calls like this." "He got up there, he froze, and I gotta fix it." "Hey there, little fella." "Just hang on, okay?" "I'm here to get you down." "Now don't be scared." "I'm a fireman." " I'm almost there." "Just hang on." " Nay!" "Great." "Careful." "I know you meant well... but please apologize to all these people... for causing them so much trouble." "I am very sorry." "It's all right, son." "But just don't ever do that to us again." "All right?" "It's embarrassing." "Ja." "Hannah?" "Time for your nightclothes." "Ja?" "Okay." "See ya later, alligator." "I learnt that today in school." "Then I say, "After a while, crocodile."" "Anna Mae." "Just to see Aunt Sarah's room." "I've never been upstairs." "It's all right with me." "Go right ahead, Anna Mae." "Just be quick about it." "Hannah's hair needs to be brushed before bed." "I wish you'd give my automatic dishwasher a try." "Dishes would be less of a chore that way." "Dishes are never a chore, Aunt Sarah." "When I was little... every night I would do the dishes with Mama... and she would give me a tellin'... and somehow..." "I was always drying the last plate... as she was reading the last word." "She had something special like that with each of us." "Stitchin' quilts with Anna Mae." "Brushing Dobbin's coat... with Josiah." "Long walks in the cornfield... with Caleb." "Hannah was just starting to take my place... at the kitchen sink." " Anna Mae?" " Ja." "Look at you!" "From vintage to hot." " Is hot gut?" " Way gut." " Where's your Amish clothes?" " In my bag." " But my mom will be so disappointed." " Why?" " 'Cause she's been reading about you." " What do you mean?" "Oh, my gosh!" "Anna Mae?" "Hey, girl." "What's your name?" "Hey, I asked your name." "I meant no offense." "I was wondering if you'd like to go to a little party with me tonight." "No, thank you." "Please, let me go." "Come on." "You know you want to experience the world a little bit." "Get out of those drabby clothes." "Let your hair down." "Taste freedom." "Please, I can't." "It's not the way of my people." "You're Amish?" "The name is Elim Glicht." "My dat runs the buggy shop in Bird-In-Hand." "Leastwise, he was when I left home." "Three years ago, I was you." "Oh!" "All right." "I'll see you there." " Sorry." " Anna Mae." "What are you wearin'?" " What are you wearin'?" " My wrestling' uniform." " You're on the wrestling' team?" " Ja." "I have a match after school today." " Don't tell Lyddie, ja?" " Ja." "But only if you don't tell her you saw me like this." "Ja?" "Ja." "Ja." "Ja." "Hannah, you okay?" "Everybody is doing their schoolwork." "Is there something I can do for you?" "After Dat went to heaven..." "Mama used to let me climb in bed with her." "Maybe a tellin' would be gut." "A tellin'?" "You mean a story." "I don't think I know any stories you would like." "But people pay you to write stories, don't they?" "You are way smarter than a six-year-old is supposed to be." "Kommen Sie!" "Aunt Sarah's going to give us a tellin'," "I thought this was just gonna be you and me." "Tellin's are for everybody." "Okay." "Once upon a time... there were two sisters who were very best friends." "And they had to be best friends... because they didn't have a mama and daddy like you guys had." "And that was because their mama and daddy... were very sad and angry people... so angry that they couldn't be a family anymore." "And the sisters had to go live with a big family... with dozens and dozens of other children... who all came from angry families." "And they all grew up together in one big, huge house." "That's sad." "Ain't so?" "Yes, it is sad." "But even though their life was hard... the sisters still prayed together every night that God would keep them together." "Did he?" "For a very long time, he did." "And every chance they got... there was one thing that they loved to do." "They loved to go to the seashore." "Because there they collected seashells... beautiful little ocean gems of all shapes and sizes." "Ten seashells each." "Ten perfect seashells." "And as they grew... they promised each other that, every day... they would pull out those seashells... and say a prayer for each other... and remember that God had created them... as special and amazing as he created those shells." "They must have loved each other very much." "Yes, they did." "And then, one day... one of the sisters met a very special man... who was trying to figure out what God wanted him to do." "And they fell in love... and they got married... and they went off to live in a very different world." "What happened to the other sister?" "For a long time... she was very angry she was all alone." "And she went to the seashore... and she threw away all of her shells." "And she never prayed again after that." "I hope that's not the end of the story." "I used to think it was, Josiah." "But I'm not thinking that way anymore." " How you doin'?" " Good." "I just wanted to warn you my friend Jerry Kitchel over at KNBA... just, uh, found out... where Portland's favorite Amish kids are going to school." "And how?" "I never I.D.'d their schools." "Well, people talk, Sarah." "No." "You talk." "Yeah, whatever." "How long did you think you could keep them hidden?" "I mean, it's not like there are packs of Amish kids... roaming Portland's streets." "Fine." "You warned me." "Now go away." "Oh." "Did I forget to mention?" "Jerry just called." "Said he's on his way over to the junior high right now... with a film crew." "No." "No, no." "Sarah Cain's desk." "Lyddie who?" "Oh." "Oh, that Lyddie." "Oh." "Oh, no, she just ran out of here like her hair was on fire." "Oh, no, no, no." "No, it just means great panic." "Okay." "Bye." "Come on, Caleb!" "Pin him down!" " Yeah, man!" " Come on, Caleb!" "Good job, Cottrell." "Good job." "Caleb, how you doin'?" "I'm Jerry Kitchel of Channel 23 News." "Just wonderin' if I could ask you a couple of questions." "Don't answer him, Caleb." "Oh." "Ms. Cain." "Well." "Isn't it about time you stopped keeping this story all to yourself?" "What does he mean by that?" "Nothing." "Come on, Kitchel." "Get your camera out of here." "Give the kids some privacy." "That's a little like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it, Ms. Cain?" "I just wanted to ask Caleb here... what does it feel like to have the intimate details of your lives..." " being read by half the city?" " Enough!" "Please." "Let him answer." "Lyddie." "Wait, wait." "Wait a second." "You mean you don't know about the column... about "Sarah Cain's World"?" "I can explain." " Go." " Wait." "Can't we talk?" "Please." "Say something." "There's nothing left to say." "You have already said more than enough." "Please?" "I didn't mean for this to happen." "You guys have to believe me." "When I came to Lancaster County..." "I hadn't written anything that really mattered for a very long time." "And I was desperate... so I wrote about you guys at your mama's funeral." "I was just trying to get through the night." "I had no idea that people would respond to your story the way that they did." "Why didn't you just stop after that?" "Because the readers wanted more." "They loved learning about your beliefs... and everything you guys were going through." "When you laughed, they laughed." "When you cried, they did too." "But those were our tears... not anybody else's, Aunt Sarah." "Lyddie, can't you see that Aunt Sarah's sorry?" "What were you gonna write about next, Aunt Sarah... how we are losing our Plain ways in the city... how Anna Mae is traipsing around school in your clothes... and decorating her face like an Englisher?" "I'm sorry I lied, Lyddie, but you don't know how hard it is... to try and make friends at school." "All I wanted to do was make some friends." "And what about you, Caleb..." "stoking' your own pride... by participating' in some foolish competition?" "It ain't foolish." "Coach says wrestling is something I'm good at." "How do you think Mama and Dat would feel... if they were still here, Caleb?" "They would know how hard it has been for us to be livin' here." "Well, what I know, Caleb..." "What I know is that until we come here... we never had any secrets or lies between us!" "That is what I know, Caleb!" "Please!" "Stop!" "Mama and Dat would be so sad... if they saw us saying such hurtful things to each other!" "Schlafenszeit." "Schlafenszeit!" "Schlafenszeit, Hannah!" "When we come here..." "I thought you were doing what you thought was best for us." "Now I see you were doing what was best for you, Aunt Sarah." "That day at the restaurant... before Lyddie called..." "I was 10 seconds away from asking you to marry me." "You didn't just lie to them, Sarah." "You lied to me." "I know." "Lyddie asked you why you wouldn't... stop writing the articles after the first one." "You said it was because the readers wanted more." "But that's not true, Sarah." "You wanted more because... that's how you measure how much people love you." "The sad part is... you are surrounded... by people who love you." "And you can't even see it." "Josiah is missing." "What do you mean he's missing?" "His suitcase was gone before any of us woke up." "So is your emergency money." "Your attention, please." "Bus number 17, with service to Salem..." "Eugene, Roseburg and Medford... now boarding Gate 6." "This is your final call." "Bus 17, with service to Salem, Eugene..." "Roseburg and Medford..." "Gate 6." "Goin' on a trip, little fella?" " Ja." " Ja'?" "Tryin' to get on one of these big white spaceships all by yourself?" "I ain't so little." "I'm eight." "My mistake." "You must be on your way to Mars in that getup." "I've been to Mars, you know." "Bought property, developed it..." "Lost everything." "Sorry." "Yeah?" "Uh-huh." "Gold or palladium?" "I have to go now." "I don't..." "Bon voyage." "My hat." "Let's stay here a while." "Is there any reason he'd be upset... anything that would have precipitated this?" "I take it you don't read the Portland Times." "Sorry, no." "Has he ever run away from home before?" "It's not his home." "This is Officer Richardson." "Regarding that M.C., request units respond Code 1088." " What exactly is a 1088?" " Bus station." "That's where 90% of runaways go." "He's at the bus station." "If you'll come with us, please." "We got the loading platform and exits covered... but a bus left 10 minutes ago for Pittsburgh." "That's where he would go." "It's the closest big city to our home." "How could they let an eight-year-old buy a bus ticket?" "It's all automated." "Find out where that bus has its next three stops." "Call Dispatch." "We gotta get the locals in those towns to send out cars." " Where did you get this?" " What?" "Hey!" " I ain't done nothin'." " Just tell me where you got this, or I swear..." "I ain't done nothin'." "I was just trying to keep him here." "I was not about to let him get on that spaceship all by hisself." "Tell us where he is, or I swear to God..." " They blow up, you know." " He knows where he is!" " Calm down, sir!" " Look at the space shuttles." " They blew up because of the O-rings." " What are you talking about?" "And they was sabotaged by the North Koreans." "Listen to me." "Where is he?" "I need you to concentrate." "Where is he?" "Okay." "You could tell that boy... was headed for Mars." "Now, I wouldn't go to Mars if you paid me." "It's too hot." "There's not enough oxygen." " He wouldn't last a week." "JPL knows..." " Gott helfe uns!" " JPL knows, but they've been silenced by Homeland Security." " Please!" "Please help me!" "Please." "He kept saying... he had to find his mama." "He wants his mama to come back." "Lyddie, I think I know where he is." " Josiah!" "Josiah!" " Josiah!" "Josiah!" "Josiah!" "I thought he'd be here." "Dispatch, this is Officer Richardson." "Please have the desk issue a Missing Persons bulletin..." "They're all dead." "Jo-Josiah." "Their mama never came back for them." "Josiah?" "I want you to listen to me, okay?" "There are so many things I want to say to you right now, but..." "I don't have all the right words like your mama had." "When I found out that you were gone today..." "I was so scared... that I would never get to tell you... how sorry I am for everything... how sorry I am for taking you guys away... from everything that you know... and from everything that makes you feel safe..." "for taking Lyddie away from Levi..." "Anna Mae from her beautiful quilts..." "Caleb from his long walks in the cornfield..." "Hannah from the safety of climbing into her mama's bed at night... for taking you away from your home... and from Dobbin." "I'm so, so sorry." "Oh, I'm so sorry." "Forgive me." " Good-bye, Caleb." " Take care, Bryan Ford." "I'll see you, little man." "Bye, Anna Mae." "Take good care of yourself, Lyddie." "God be with you, Bryan Ford." "You too, Hannah." "I'll call you when we get there." "Mmm, please." " Bryan, I don't know where this is gonna..." " I want you to know... that you're okay... in every way." "Oh." "There's Dobbin!" "They brought Dobbin home!" "Lyddie, it's Levi!" "And Miriam Esh, Mama's friend." "We're home." "Go, Josiah!" "Are you sure you don't want to come?" "Taffy pulls are wonderful gut fun." "Oh, I'm sure." "Have a good time." "They're also havin'a quiltin' for the girls." "I'm not cut out to be a quilter, Anna Mae... but you make it extra beautiful for me, okay?" "Save your sweet tooth." "We'll bring you back some taffy." "See ya later, alligator." "After a while, crocodile." "I'll meet in town with Mr. Eberley... and have him draw up the paperwork... transferring guardianship to you." "You're sure you don't want to tell them good-bye?" "Tell them I'll write them." "Miriam?" "Oh." "Well, I thought you'd still be at the taffy pull." "We came home early." "Where's Aunt Sarah?" "She thought you'd be better off with someone of the faith." "Ach!" "No!" "Go get to the buggy." "Faster, Caleb!" "We have to catch her." "Come on, Dobbin." "Faster." " Ach!" "There she is, Caleb!" " Faster!" "We have to catch her!" "Hold on." "We'll take the shortcut." "Go, Dobbin!" "Go!" "Go, Caleb!" "Make him go faster!" "Come on, Dobbin." "Come on, boy." "Caleb!" "Faster!" " Go!" "Hurry!" " Dobbin!" "Come on!" "Hurry!" "She stopped." " Make him go!" " Go, boy!" "Go!" "You can't leave, Aunt Sarah!" "You can't leave!" "You can't leave, Aunt Sarah!" "You can't leave!" "Lyddie, it's best this way." "Please don't make this any harder than it has to be." "I have to show you something." "Mama asked me to give this to you before she died." "It's her last wishes." "But I was so afraid..." "I was so afraid of what would happen, so I hid it." "I kept it from you." "My dear, sweet sister, Sarah..." "If you are reading this, it is because I have passed from this life... to my eternal home in heaven." "Remember the seashells, Sarah?" "Remember how we collected them and prayed for each other every day?" "Our seashell prayers." "I have one more prayer I want to share with you... so let's bow our heads one more time and close our eyes." "Dear God, I know I hurt Sarah deeply when I fell in love with Gil... and chose my life here with the Amish." "I wanted so badly to ease her pain and loneliness." "I wanted so badly to show my sister... the hope that I had found following your ways." "I know that she has felt far from you since those days... but I know you have never left her side." "You have always been there waiting for her to return." "Now my passing has brought Sarah to Lancaster County... and I have a favor to ask of her." "It is my deepest desire... that my beautiful Lyddie, Caleb..." "Anna Mae, Josiah and little Hannah... be placed in Sarah's care." "Because I believe you will help her love them... as much as I have loved them." "Please, God, grant me this last prayer." "I know Sarah will be a wonderful mother." "Amen." "Open your eyes, sweet Sister." "Look at me one more time." "Farewell for now." "Some day, we will all be reunited in God's everlasting arms." "I love you." "Ivy." "Please." "Don't go, Aunt Sarah." "You can't leave." "We love you." "I love you guys too." "For sure and for certain." "What you writin' on that whatnot, Aunt Sarah?" "I'm toying with the idea of writing a book." "What's it gonna be called?" "What do you think of My Redemption?" "Good title." "Just between you and me... it's okay if you want to talk about me in there." "Aunt Sarah, it's..." "It's for you." "Bryan?" "Hi." "Oh!" "I had a layover in Harrisburg." "I hope you don't mind me stopping by." "What's this?" "I brought cheesecake." "5@y3" " HI removed by LeapinLar"