Chapter Twenty- Six

　(Amaya)

I had gone to check the cave to see if Abigail had gone there, but it was empty; I had checked the surrounding paths as well but came up empty-handed. Feeling defeated, I returned to the cottage to see if Samuel had any luck; he had gone into town to talk to the Pastor and check the village to see if Abigail got held up there.

I had just finished lighting the fire in the hearth when Abigail entered, looking a little frazzled.

“I was looking everywhere for you.” I stated as I walked up to her, taking her basket, and setting it on the table.

“Sorry dear, I got stuck in the village longer than I had expected. An illness has broken out, and I had to make a house visit to the Benham’s place. Their children are ill."

“That’s awful, are they going to be, ok?” I asked as she sat down at the table.

"I am not sure. Last winter took a toll on the village, so many people struggled to find food and without proper diet illness sets in, people are struggling."