Goshen, Indiana
With the reins in hand, Eli Hochstetler drove his vater’s supply-hauling wagon through Goshen in the early-June sun. Dutch’s hooves clip-clopped on the pavement.
Daniel Burkholder sat on the seat next to him. “Have the church leaders given you permission to purchase a computer and make a website?”
Eli shook his head. “I haven’t asked yet.”
“Why not? The summer is going to be over before you know it.”
“I need to have more items made first.” Eli had branched out his blacksmithing from the practical horseshoes, weather vanes and herb choppers to decorative items like napkin holders, door knockers and small animal figures. This second group of items would be marketed toward Englishers, hence the need for a computer and website. Not everyone who requested such privileges were granted them.
“Shouldn’t you make sure they’ll let you before you go to the trouble?”
“I want to show them I have a need and meine work can support a business. I also need to learn about websites and such.”
“You can’t create your own website. They wouldn’t allow that. You’ll need an Englisher to do that.”
“I know. I’m not sure how to go about finding one.”
“Doesn’t every Englisher know about computers?”
Eli shrugged. “I think so. If I know a little, I’ll know how to talk to an Englisher about meine website.”
His attention gravitated toward Rainbow Girl. That was what he called the young woman with rainbow-colored hair. His gaze automatically followed her.
For the past six months, he’d seen this same girl every time he came to town, without fail. Her multicolored hair made her hard to miss, but she held herself differently today. Not the usual bounce in her step. Not the usual head held high. Not the usual carefree swing of her arms. Her head hung low, and her shoulders hunched over. Her fancy black knee boots scuffed the sidewalk, and her body shook as though she was crying.
What drew him to this stranger? An Englisher, no less. It made no sense.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Ne, this verse didn’t apply.
Not for an Englisher. Therefore, not his responsibility. And none of his business.
“You aren’t going to ask her for help, are you?”
Daniel’s question brought Eli back to his right mind. “Of course not.” He snapped the reins to hurry up Dutch. He had errands to complete and work to do.
“What is it about that Englisher that makes you stare?”
Eli shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“The last three times I’ve ridden into town with you, you’ve watched her. You don’t do that with other Englishers.”
Eli hadn’t realized he’d been so obvious. “Who wouldn’t notice someone with hair like that? You’ve obviously noticed her also.”
“That’s different. You stare like you’re trying to figure her out.” Daniel’s assessment was too accurate.
Eli struggled to figure out what drew him to this one Englisher. He didn’t want to talk about her anymore. “We should get the lumber first, then the feed.”
A while later, with his errands done and the wagon loaded down, Eli drove back through town. Would he see Rainbow Girl once more? He hoped not. He didn’t want Daniel bringing her up again.
But there she sat. Alone. Huddled on the curb in front of a sandwich shop with her arms wrapped around her bent legs.
He guided Dutch into the small strip mall parking lot, pulled the draft horse and wagon through two adjoining spaces and hauled back on the reins.
Daniel elbowed him. “What are you doing?”
“I’ll be right back.” After setting the brake, he jumped down and headed toward Rainbow Girl.
He hesitated a few feet away. What did an Amish man say to such a person?
One side of her hair had been