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Not long after that I was passing the Co-Op window, and there I saw our accordion with a "For Sale" on it. I ran quickly into the store looking closely again to be sure it was ours. "Why do you have Mama's accordion in your window", I asked the storekeeper, "and with a 'For Sale' sign on it?" me for supplies, flour, sugar, seeds, shoes for you. Little Jens has lots to learn besides learning chords on an accordion." I hurried out of the store before anyone saw the tears streaming down my face. "How could she? WHY? WHY? WHY? I'll not got home!" I began to run until I reached the canyon; the creek was full and overflowing, and I sat on a rock and dangled my feet in the spring waters. I thought about my sleigh, that dream lost. I knew I would never see Grandpa Falter again. I just knew it, and now the thing I had learned to love, our precious accordion was gone---and then I thought of MAMA---for she had loved it too. I could see her hands and all the tasks they do. I felt a sweep of courage, like she had on the plains, with her firm hands over mine, holding the reins. Slowly I began to walk on the bank of the creek until the tears dried on the side of each cheek; then I hurried faster. I was late; I knew, and that would worry Mama. I felt guilty too. I reached our house, the "smell" pouring from the door. We had not had Danish Ebleskivers "for a year or more"! I began to whistle that old "Valtz Song". Mama joined in the chours, and Papa's clock ticked on. - 45 - |
