Laura decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air. She walked past the pond where she spent many a summers' day. It was such a beautiful day. She was approaching the Wilder farm. She was nervous. She didn't know why she wanted to talk to Almanzo and put herself through the hurt and disappointment. She walked past Barnum who was going crazy since he saw her. She pet him. She remembered being the only one that could break him in. Laura went up the steps to the porch and knocked on the door, Eliza Jane answered.

"LAURA! How are you! Good heavens I never expected to see you. How's Radner?"

"Hello Eliza. I'm fine. I didn't know that I would be back here. Radner is wonderful. The children are great and so is the pay. I came here though to see Almanzo, do you know where he would be?"

"Well, Laura I thought you'd be here because of Almanzo. I would love it if you two would reconcile. I've never liked Brenda Sue. I think Almanzo is just trying to substitute you. You should check in the barn. He may be there."

"Thanks Eliza."

Laura walked out to the barn. Sure enough there was Almanzo. He must have heard her. He was shocked to see her. She looked great but something was different with her. It was like something was wrong. He looked into her eyes and they didn't sparkle like they used to. It had been a hard 4 months. He was back with Brenda Sue Longworth but he didn't feel any love for her. He was just with her to ease his pain from losing Beth. He still loved her and he was sure she still loved him.

"Hi manly. How are you?"

"Hi Beth. I'm good I guess. How's Radner?"

"Radner's pretty good. The children are wonderful. Almanzo, let's quit dodging bullets. You know exactly why I came here. I wanted to tell you something very important."

"Okay Beth, what is it?'

Tears began to well up in Laura's eyes. "I love you and I will always love you. I've also loved you through good times and bad times. I have to move on now. It was your fault. YOU NEVER CAME AFTER ME! I thought that you would and I waited for you and you never did." Laura was crying so hard, she was wiping her tears with her hands.

"Laura, I thought about it. I didn't want to hurt you anymore than I did so I didn't come. I've tried to move on but I can't either."

"Manly, you can do a lot better than her! How dare you! I'm not courting anyone else but the minute I leave, you have Brenda Sue back in your arms."

"LAURA, I don't love her!"

"It doesn't matter. I bet you never loved me at all!" Suddenly, Laura felt faint. The last thing she saw where Almanzo's beautiful blue eyes, then everything went black.