Of course. Lena found the children in the main room, surrounded by wooden blocks and open books they were clearly ignoring. They looked up guiltily when she entered. We were just taking a break, Esther said quickly. A very short break, Jacob added.
Lena hid a smile. What are you supposed to be reading? Esther held up a primer. Words. Boring words.
All words are boring when you're forced to read them, Lena agreed, settling into a chair nearby. But some words tell stories and stories are never boring. The book doesn't have stories, Jacob said glumly. Just the cat sat on the mat and stuff like that. Well, that's because you're supposed to use those words to make your own stories.
Lena leaned forward conspiratorially. For instance, why did the cat sit on the mat? Esther blinked. Because that's what cats do? Maybe.
Or maybe the cat was guarding a secret treasure hidden under the mat. Or maybe the mat was actually a magic carpet and the cat was waiting for midnight when it would fly away to distant lands. Both children's eyes went wide. Could we write that? Esther asked.
Like a real story? Why not? You know the words. Now you just have to put them together in a way that's interesting. For the next hour, Lena helped the children craft elaborate stories using their simple vocabulary words.
The cat on the mat became an adventurer. The dog that ran became a hero rescuing a lost child. The sun that shone became a magical source of power for a kingdom in trouble. The children were so engrossed they didn't notice Ruthie returning until she spoke. I've never seen them so focused on lessons, she said, wonder in her voice.
Lena looked up. They're bright children. They just needed to see that learning could be fun. Ma used to make games out of lessons, Ruthie said quietly. I'd forgotten that.
We've just been getting through things since she died, not making them enjoyable. Getting through is sometimes all you can manage, Lena said gently. But maybe now there's room for a bit more. Ruthie's eyes shone suspiciously bright. She blinked rapidly, cleared her throat.
I should start on the washing. Would you Would you like to help or you could stay here with the children? I'll help with the washing. These two can practice writing their stories. Outside the morning had turned beautiful.
The storm-washed sky was a brilliant blue and the air smelled of wet earth and pine. Lena and Ruthie worked side by side at the wash tub, scrubbing clothes against the washboard in companionable silence. Can I ask you something? Ruthie said eventually. Of course.