May 2, 1940

At the Walton house, Aimee sat out on the couch with Grandpa.

"When I came back from the barn with Jason, I saw John-Boy in Elizabeth's room. I didn't want to disrupt them."

"That's probably best." Smiled Zeb. "No one comes between her and her big brother. Jenny and the kids went home earlier."

Aimee smiled. "I'm a little jealous actually. She has a grandpa, grandma, all those big brothers to adore her and sisters to spoil her. She even has a little sister to take care of." The girl sighed. "Sometimes I hate being an only child."

"Well if it's any comfort to you, your parents love you more than words can say." Zeb replied.

Aimee smiled. "I know that. I just with that I had a loving grandpa like you or a house full of siblings."

"You know, Aimee, sometimes I feel like you're another granddaughter to me, even though I'm technically your granduncle."

Aimee smiled. "Uncle Zeb, may I call you Grandpa?"

"I would love that Honey." Zeb smiled, hugging his grandniece.

In Grandpa and Grandma's room, John-Boy pulled the covers over Elizabeth.

"It's not very often you tuck me in anymore."

"That's why I like to do it whenever I can." John-Boy smiled.

"It's just like old times. Sometimes I miss being five. Everything was so simple."

"Well sometimes I miss being your age. One day 12 will seem like 'the good old days' to you." John-Boy chuckled. "It looked like you had fun with Ben and Aimee today."

"I did. That was such a good idea Ben had. I had the most fun I've had since before my accident." Elizabeth smiled. "I just love Ben. He's always so happy and finds the fun in any situation."

John-Boy smiled as he sat down on the bed. "He's always been like that." He chuckled. "It's like he was practically born with a smile on his face."

Elizabeth grinned. But the smile faded. "I wonder about Jim Bob. John-Boy, does he love me? It seems like he hates me. He doesn't want anything to do with me and will barely talk to me."

John-Boy held his sister's hand. "Sweetheart, your brother is hurting a lot. You have no idea how much hurt and guilt is going through that teenager's mind and heart right now. He doesn't hate you. He feels unworthy to be around you, so he avoids it. That, in turn, means avoiding you. He just can't get over his shame. He feels that he caused this accident."

"But why does he feel so bad and not Ben?"

"Truth is, Honey, Ben did feel like this for a while. But his guilt came out in a different way. That's why he bought you all of those gifts, out of guilt and shame. But he realized that accidents happen and you have to move on. Jim Bob will come to those terms eventually. It just seems to be taking him longer."

"A LOT longer." Replied Elizabeth. "He started sleeping in the barn because of me."

"That darn guilt. It can cause you to do a lot of crazy things." John-Boy said.

"It seems like you understand just about everything that people go through." Elizabeth said quietly with a smile.

"Definitely not everything. But I try to understand where they're coming from and try to help them. I guess writing helps you develop your 'reading' of mankind."

Elizabeth smiled. "I love you John-Boy."

John-Boy leaned over and gave her a kiss. "I love you Princess. Sleep well."

"I will. Goodnight."

"Night." John-Boy quietly closed the door.

"Headed home, John-Boy?" Zeb asked.

"I'd better before Jenny starts to worry. I hope she's asleep. She needs more sleep now that she's officially six months along."

"Won't be long now." Zeb smiled. "I'll be holding that new Great-Grandbaby soon. And Mary Ellen too. She's 7 months pregnant."

Aimee smiled. "I can't wait to have some new cousins to play with."

"They'll love you, I know it." John-Boy smiled, kissing Aimee's forehead. "Goodnight Darlin'. Night Grandpa."

"Goodnight John-Boy. Do you have a flashlight?"

John-Boy held it in the air.

Zeb smiled and nodded. "Pleasant dreams."

"Same to you Grandpa." John-Boy smiled, waving as he walked down the stairs into the darkness.

"I'm gonna go see Elizabeth."

"Don't keep her up all night." Zeb winked. "I know how slumber parties go."

"I won't. We have to be up for school tomorrow."

"Friday. Friday is my day." Zeb smiled.

"Mine too. I can't wait for this week to be done."

Zeb smiled. "Well, I'm gonna go hit the sack. Pleasant dreams, Honey. I'm gonna peak in on Elizabeth then I'll let you two get onto your slumber party."

Aimee smiled.

Zeb peaked in the door. "Goodnight Elizabeth Tyler."

"Goodnight Grandpa." She smiled.

After Grandpa went upstairs, Aimee went into the bedroom. She looked at Elizabeth's braces. She ran over to Elizabeth's bed.

"Do you wanna be a cripple all your life?"

Elizabeth was confused by Aimee's change in mood. "Why, no!"

"Then you got to go see Ada Corley."

"I'd be afraid to."

"She cured Inner Sypes' daughter."

"How would we get there?"

"In the pony cart."

"They wouldn't let us."

"We'll sneak out."

Elizabeth bit her lip. "Okay."

"I'll go get dressed." Aimee was in her pajamas.

Elizabeth's heart began to race. Why did I say I'd go with her?!

Aimee helped Elizabeth outside. They went out to where the pony cart was parked.

After several minutes of struggle, Elizabeth finally got situated in the pony cart.

Aimee handed Elizabeth a blanket. "The night's chilly. This will keep you warm." She whispered.

"Okay." Whispered Elizabeth.

"Ready?"

Elizabeth nodded.

Aimee walked in front of Judy, holding onto the rein, and guiding her down the dark path to Mrs. Corley's house.

Tonight feels spookier than Halloween. Thought Elizabeth. I wish I hadn't agreed to this. I don't trust that woman. She seems mean and scary. Oh, why did I say yes? I wish I had said no. Then I'd be safe back in my warm bed.

A chilly wind blew in the night air. Elizabeth was sure she heard noises but convinced herself it was just the wind blowing through objects.

I want to go home!