Artemis sat curled up next to her, growing larger with each passing week. She poked her pink nose into Rilla's white hand, licking her with a scraping of a feline tongue. She smiled down at the grey kitten, running her hand over the small folded down ears lovingly. A small white paw patted her hand playfully.

"I missed you too," Rilla said quietly as the kitten crept up closer to her shoulder. She looked to her table, at the stack of letters that had come today. The house was quiet except for the sound of the sewing machine. That told Rilla that Lillian was working as Amelie had left for the Island the previous week. While Shirley was helping Ken who went to check on the progress of the renovations.

Her voice was still hoarse and her body still weak, but she managed to creep around the top house. She was thinner than she had ever been, it was the first thing she noticed when she finally looked in a mirror. Her nightwear hung off her shoulders, her eyes sunken in. Ken assured her that she would gain it back, that she still looked beautiful. In the end he was mainly glad that she was alive. That she was home and recovering from a sickness she could only vaguely remember.

At night Ken helped her down the stairs as sat in the living room on the chaise. Catching up on his own work that had been pushed to the side during her illness. Most nights they turned on the new radio Ken had bought and had shipped from Toronto. Radio, such a thing it was. The Island had its own station now and had various shows in the evening. Along with local news, and even national. Who knew you could know what was happening in Toronto? Winnipeg, even Vancouver hours after it happened.

Dearest Rilla

I am glad that you are on the mend when I had that you were ill the time I called I was beside myself. It was refreshing to hear that you are on the mend and regaining your strength.

Papa is health is declining with each passing month. The doctors believe he will only have a few more months left. We have been slowly getting things into order and prepared, as I am of age I don't worry so much about what will happen. The house in my name now, but I am thinking about selling it. Go out into the world and maybe travel? Maybe even go to college or get my teaching license? As you see I have no idea what to do, but I am sure I will figure it out! I am grateful that I have the money from my mother's inheritance and father's estate to allow me to do what I wish.

Maybe once Father is at peace and you have some spare time that we can find time to visit each other as we have planned. Maybe not in winter this time, but only time will tell when I will be able to leave this city.

All the news about your brother and his sweetheart is looking up, they must be so elated that it is nearly over. At least hopefully over, I can only imagine what it is like for them but they are making it work and holding out hope for a brighter future.

Speaking on futures and brighter futures! It must be so wonderful to be finished with school and able to work toward more at a leisurely pace. I know you are weary about starting a family but I do believe that you will make a wonderful mother. You are patient when it comes to dealing with problems and issues. I never told you about on my visit that I had seen you calm Ken down in the middle of the night. It showed me you in a whole other light that night. You care so much but you never lose your sensibilities. You can work your way to an outcome that you find manageable. Something I can only assume to be an asset as a parent to remain calm and collected during trying times?

I will finish this letter up, rest up and don't overtax yourself. Enjoy your recovery, let Ken spoil you. Don't rush getting up and about too fast, diphtheria will take the toll out of you.

Love Marianne.

Rilla smiled and placed the letter aside and gave Artemis lazy scratch behind her ears. She was glad that Marianne was not hiding away from her future. That she saw the light at the end of the tunnel when it came to her father's health. It would still hurt, she would still mourn him of course. Except it would be different, it wouldn't be sudden.

"Well, look who is up and resting," she looked up at what could only be one person, but it surprised her nonetheless.

"Jem," She looked up as she fixed her light silk dressing gown. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to come for a conference and told Mom and Dad that I would look in on you," Jem explains. "Lillian let me in."

"Oh, I didn't even hear you knock on the door," Rilla told him.

"Lillian saw me from the window," Jem told her as he looked around his little sister's bedroom. "So can I sit?" He asked with a smile.

"You can at your discretion," Rilla teased him with her hoarse voice.

"I'm going to ignore that," Jem gave her a look. "So how are you doing? Your brother is asking and not a doctor." Jem asked her, clarifying so she wouldn't feel the need to tell him everything.

"I'm all right," Rilla told him. "Still a way to go but every day is better than the last."

"You had everyone rather worried Rilla," Jem told her. "Actually I have something for you, I ran into Mrs. Anderson and Jimmy in Glen and mentioned that I was coming here. This is for you." He handed over a letter to her with messy childish writing.

Rilla reached out hastily to grab it. She always tried to keep in contact with the boy. She even managed to set up a visit where Jimmy could come out to Kingsport for a week that was set up for August. When she had told him in a letter that she wasn't sure if she would make it to the island that summer. It was Jimmy who had asked to visit her one day. Which prompted Mrs. Anderson writing her asking if she would enjoy a visit if they could manage the fare. In reply, Rilla told them she would gladly accept a visit and offered to pay the fare herself if he could come.

Dear Willa

Pleese get beter soon! I don't want to miss you this sumer. I am look forwward to it, I've never been off the Island and can't wait to go on the fairy! Please say you'll be better by August!

Also, we got a tele phone! R6-55

Jimmy

"How did he find out?" Rilla looked up at Jem.

"I don't think he knows how sick you were, but mom mentioned it to the ladies at church most likely. Which is most likely how the word got back to the Andersons," Jem told her. "Everyone was praying for you essentially."

"You make it sound like I was dying," Rilla rolled her eyes at him. But the sober look on his face told her something that Ken had not quite told her.

"Either Shirley was who relaying messages was downplaying it. I don't know but Ken was rightfully out of his mind when Dad spoke to him a couple of times. According to some of the nurses I know he wouldn't leave your side unless forced to. They teased him at first but when they realized that you wouldn't cooperate without him near you. They welcomed his presence." Jem explained to her. "Either way you were much sicker than you realize. Thank heavens that you ended up in the hospital before that trip. You wouldn't have made it to England Rilla you have to know that?"

Rilla found herself nodding with the realization of Jem's words.

"But you pulled through, hair and all," Jem told her with a tease. "Just like the rest of us once upon a time. Mom wanted to come, but dad told her that it be better for her to stay in glen until you were cleared. Then Nan needed her again, and of course, there had been a handful of cases on the island so dad has been busy." Jem told her. "Faith has been keeping a close eye on Ceci and herself as well, but I think they will be okay."

"Again?" Rilla asked Jem with a frown. Alluding to Nan, and Jem only nodded with a clear of his throat. "How far along is Faith?" Rilla asked him curiously.

"Is it that obvious?" Jem asked her raising an eyebrow of how Rilla could pick it out.

Rilla shrugged her shoulder and coughed in the process. Faith had written about being tired and unwell a few months ago. But nothing was ever confirmed.

"Sixteen weeks give or take," Jem told her. "Not everyone knows just yet especially given Nan at this time. But it is getting harder to hide, so the news will come out eventually"

Rilla nodded. "Congratulations," she told him meaning it.

"Don't congratulate me, Faith has to do all the work," Jem shook his head. "How about you and Ford? With you being done school?"

"I'm not done with school," Rilla told him truthfully. "But there has been an agreement of sorts," Rilla told him truthfully. "However we shall see, as we were told by the doctor to avoid such things until I am fully recovered."

"Which is a sign of a good physician; which I am glad you have," Jem told her sincerely. "But what do you mean not being done with school?"

Rilla sighed. "I'm taking a few courses by correspondence, thats all." She told him. "Something to do while Ken's at work I suppose for the time being. I'm not sure if I know how to be a housewife and clean all day?" Rilla joked.

"You aren't going to help at the office or even the paper?" Jem asked.

"Of course not, writing gossip columns aren't my thing," Rilla responded.

"No, but advice for women could be your thing," Jem pointed out.

"I'm not a writer Jem, nor am I qualified to give anyone any sort of advice on how to be a housewife." Rilla gave him a look before coughing.

"All right, I think it is time you rest and I take my leave," Jem told her. "But you are right about the housewife thing." he grinned at her and bent down and kissed her cheek in a brotherly fashion. "Rest up, then maybe we can convince that husband of yours to let you come to the Island. You know a relaxing rehabilitation for a week or two for some fresh air?"

Rilla shook her head at him and hugged him weakly hearing the floor creak in the hallway.

"She's not going anywhere until the doctor allows it," Ken told the siblings. "But we can discuss it once he does," Ken told Jem before turning to Rilla. "If you do you will have to stay with your parents. I won't be able to take more than two days off at a time right now."

Rilla nodded before looking between the two men and swung her legs off the bed. She stopped them with a wave of her hand as she stood up slowly as she saw them jump to assist her. "I need to use the ladies room, I can make it that far. The doctor said steady short distances are best."

"Of course," Ken nodded to her but still watched her carefully. "I didn't know you were in town Blythe?" He turned to his brother in law.

"I'm here for a conference, I figured I could bring back some good news to the family about Rilla," Jem told him.

"Of course, how is the family?" Ken asked as he rearranged the pillows on the bed and fixed the blanket. Ignoring Jem's amused look while he waited for his wife to come back from her call of nature.

"Faith is good, Ceci is precocious and into everything," Jem grinned before sobering. "I should warn you, I didn't realize that Rilla didn't know about how sick she was."

"I was planning on telling her, I just haven't found the right moment you know?" Ken sighed. Jem nodded, he was used to relaying such news to people. He was a doctor, after all, Ken was just a husband. "Is Shirley around? Or did he go back to the apartment?"

"He's downstairs with Lillian. He generally has dinner with us before going back to the flat," Ken told him as he turned as he heard the bathroom open. "Staying upstairs or down?"

"I'm not sure, are you staying for lunch?" Rilla looked towards her eldest brother.

"Unfortunately I have plans with a colleague of mine in an hour," Jem told her looking at his watch. "I was just popping in to say hello to you."

"Well, then I don't have to change." Rilla smiled happily, but her eyes showed just how tired she already was. Even from from the passive afternoon she had.

"Do you wish to nap time before tea? Maybe afterward we can work on the puzzle for a little bit before bringing you back upstairs?" Ken asked her with concern.

Rilla only nodded, knowing it would be no use to argue with him. "Thank you for coming," She looked towards Jem. "Ken will see you out won't you?" She turned to her husband.

"Of course," Ken nodded

Jem gently pulled his sister into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Something else he rarely ever did, except maybe to the twins who he had been closer to growing up. Though brushes with grave illnesses tend to bring out a side of people you don't always expect.

"Rest up and get better Rilla," Jem told her before going down the stairs. She listened as Jem briefly said hello to Shirley and Lillian. Another few minutes the front door was opened and shut. She heard Ken's familiar footsteps on the stairs once more. She still sitting on the edge of the bed when he came in. Rubbing in lotion on her hands and arms with her robe tossed aside, revealing her thin shoulders.

The ceiling fan whirling around as the day hit the peak of the heat.

"Is there anything you wish for dinner tonight?" Ken asked her sitting down beside her.

"Anything is fine, but something light probably." Rilla told him honestly. "what will you do this afternoon?"

"I have some work to do, so I'll be in the study," Ken told her. "If you need anything just let us know."

"I will," Rilla told him as she moved slowly to bring herself fully on the bed. "I'm not sure I will be able to sleep with the heat, but I will lie here and just rest."

"Which is also acceptable," Ken grinned. "I'm glad your voice is coming back." He kissed her forehead.

Each passing day Rilla found herself growing stronger. After spending almost two weeks inside resting she finally felt more like herself. It was another week making it the first week of July before she ventured outside the porch. Walking down the small driveway to marvel at the new mailbox that Ken has installed. Door to door the mail was the newest thing to come to Kingsport.

"Look at you out and about," her neighbour to the left commented as she laden with bags from errands.

"Hello, Mrs. Orwell! Yes, it is quite nice to be outside," Rilla smiled as she pulled the light cardigan around her. "I am trying to let persuade Ken to allow me to go to church soon, but we shall see."

"Well, dear you gave him quite a scare," the older lady replied. "But the ladies at the church group will be happy that you will be back soon."

"How is little Melanie?" Rilla asked for the first time since coming home.

"She's recovering at home, though her family hasn't said much." Mrs. Orwell told her truthfully. "But I have to go put these away," she motioned to her groceries. "It was nice to see you out today Mrs. Ford."

"Of course, have a good afternoon," Rilla nodded. She basked in the sunlight a few another moment more. Looking at her modest home, nothing like the Fords in Toronto she smiled to herself.

She was lying across the chaise when Ken had come home from inspecting the building. Covered in dust and what appears to be paint. He kissed her sweetly before he ran upstairs to shower. She watched him retreat upstair as she waited for the radio show to begin. She was addicted to the story like any other woman she knew. It was the latest thing to gossip about when they popped in for a short visit. Now that the word was put out that she accepting small visits.

It was long after Ken came home, Shirley arrived. Freshly showered and changed into a pair of clean grey trousers. Paired with loose-fitting shirt that was striped with blue.

"Lillian in the back?" Shirley asked as he poked his head in the living room.

"She is, and hello to you too," Rilla rolled her eyes at his lack of greeting, but her voiced was teasing.

"Sorry," Shirley sighed. "She just had an important meeting today and I want to know." He explained.

"Oh, just go on!" Rilla waved him off and watched him head to the back of the house. After a general greeting, she heard them pick up in French rather naturally as they usually do. It was something Rilla realized had nothing to do with being rude, but just their way.

"Le tribunal a-t-il encore fixé une date?" She heard Shirley ask Lillian.

"Oui, la semaine prochaine. Shirley, et si ça n'arrive pas? Que ferons-nous?" Lillian replied. Her voice laced with worry, but Rilla was sure her facial expression matched it.

"Alors nous continuons comme nous l'avons fait?" Shirley tried to reassure her. Rilla could only guess that they were speaking about the divorce and it's possible outcomes?

"Ce n'est pas juste, surtout pour toi, et si tu trouves quelqu'un d'autre?" Lillian stressed to him.

"Je ne trouverai jamais d'autre Lily. Je choisis ça, nous choisissons de faire ça ensemble. Je ne te quitterai jamais, je t'aime." Shirley stressed with a quiet voice that meant he was telling her something that meant a lot to him. She smiled as the room went quiet.

"I'm going to get some iced tea, do you want some?" Ken asked walking into the room looking around for the others as he fixed his freshly washed hair.

"Shh, and don't disturb them," Rilla whispered hushing him. Ken shook his head chuckling and sat down next to her. Letting her rest her head on his lap as he stroked her curls with one hand. The other tracing over her waist as the radio started the familiar music of their evening show. He look down at her with a simple look, but that look always made her heart skip a beat.

French Translations

"Has the court set up a date yet?"

"Oui, next week. Shirley, what if it doesn't happen? What will we do?"

"Then we continue on as we have?"

"That isn't fair, especially to you, what if you find someone else?"

"I will never find another Lily. I choose this, we choose to do this together. I'm not leaving you ever, I love you."

I'll say a quick Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah to everyone at the end of this chapter. I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and a new year!

If your feeling particularly kind this season, leave me a comment and your thoughts about this chapter!

Thank you all for the follows and reviews from the previous chapter!

Tina