Jeremy's Silence
"Jason! What are we gonna do"? Josh was frustrated.
"About what, Josh"? Inquired Jason
"Not what, who. Jeremy" Josh replied
"I don't know, Josh. I really don't know." Jason sighed "it hurts me to my soul when Jeremy is like this."
Jeremy, age 10, was the youngest of the Bolt brothers. Jeremy had not spoken to anyone for the past week. Some of the children at school laughed at Jeremy because of his stuttering. Their cruelty hurt Jeremy badly. Sometimes, he stopped talking because of that. His brothers were not sure what caused his current silence.
"Did you talk to Jeremy's teacher"? asked Josh
"Yes, I did. Miss Box said she doesn't know why Jeremy has stopped speaking. She told me she had a come to Jesus meeting with the children about Jeremy, but they promised they didn't know what happened to Jeremy" Jason frowned a little.
"Surely, she didn't have this meeting as she called it with Jeremy in the room" Josh replied.
"Oh, no! Miss Box sent Jeremy to Ben's store on an errand. Miss Box is a good teacher and very nice. She's fond of Jeremy and all the children." Jason sighed again.
"Jason, what if there is something wrong with Jeremy? I mean, what if he is sick or something." Josh worried.
"Jeremy saw the doctor last month when he had a fever and a cold. The doctor said he was fine otherwise." Jason replied
"That's right. I just wish we knew what's got him so upset." Josh said.
Jeremy walked into the cabin. He had gone fishing with his friend, Billy after school.
"Did you catch any today, Jeremy"? Jason asked
Jeremy shook his head no.
"How was school today"? asked Josh
Jeremy shrugged his shoulders.
"Come here to me, please, Jeremy." Jason said.
Jeremy walked across the room to his oldest brother.
Jason was sitting in his armchair. He put his hands on Jeremy's shoulders. Jason looked his youngest brother in the eye.
"Jeremy, please talk to us. We miss your voice."
Jeremy shook his head vigorously meaning no.
Then Jeremy put his index finger on his throat and shook his head no again. He stomped his foot.
Jason and Josh knew this was their brother's signal for "I can't talk and you know it"
"Yes, you can talk, Jeremy." Jason said gently.
"You don't realize how lonely it feels here without you talking, brother." Josh said.
The youngest Bolt looked down at his boots.
Jason pulled Jeremy close to him. He hugged Jeremy tightly.
Jeremy returned the hug wrapping his arms around Jason's neck. Jason could feel his brother's heart pounding.
Jason didn't want to break the embrace just yet. "It's alright, Jeremy. Whatever it is, it's alright."
Jeremy took a deep breath. His heart rate slowed down.
Jason dared to hope that his little brother might be ready to talk.
Jason let go of Jeremy. The two brothers locked eyes.
"Won't you talk to us, now, please"? Jason asked
Jeremy told them no with a shake of his head. He went outside closing the door behind him.
Joshua and Jason stared at the cabin door for a minute.
Jason Bolt could order grown men around with a look or a turn of his head. But, he couldn't beg his ten year old brother to talk.
Jason sighed deeply. He got up to fix supper. Josh helped Jason cook supper. Josh kept going to the window to keep an eye on Jeremy.
Jeremy was sitting on the stump in front of his home looking sad and rejected.
Awhile later, Josh called Jeremy to come to supper.
Jeremy came in and sat down at the table with his brothers. Jason said Grace. Jeremy gave him a smirk when he asked The Lord to help Jeremy decide to start talking again soon.
The brothers ate in silence. Usually Jason and Josh kept a lively conversation going at supper. Jeremy looked from one to the other as if asking why they weren't talking.
"We can be silent too, Jeremy." Josh said.
Then Josh and Jason laughed because Josh talked about them being silent. Jeremy just shook his head.
Jeremy washed the dishes after supper. He did his homework. Then he went to bed.
Josh looked over the upcoming payroll. Jason reviewed the latest job contracts they had.
Soon, the older brothers got tired and went to bed.
Josh was quiet as he walked into the room he shared with Jeremy. The youngest Bolt was sound asleep. Josh looked at his brother. He silently prayed that Jeremy would start talking again soon.
Josh got in bed. He went to sleep quickly.
A few hours later, Josh felt the bed shaking. He sat realized that the bed was not shaking. Jeremy's body was wracked with silent sobs.
Josh jumped out of bed. He hurried to the other side of the bed. Maybe Jeremy is ready to talk about what's troubling him Josh thought.
"Hey, Jeremy, what's the matter? Why are you crying? Come on, please talk to me. Maybe I can help you."
Jeremy continued his silent sobbing. Josh had never seen anyone cry without making any sound before. Somehow it made the crying sadder.
Josh put his hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "Please talk to me, Jeremy. It is killing me to see you like this. It's killing Jason too."
At the mention of Jason's name, Jeremy cried harder. When Jeremy began to sound like he was choking. Josh got scared. Josh ran to get Jason.
"Jason! Wake up! Jeremy is choking"! Josh yelled.
Jason woke up immediately. He pulled his pants on in a second. He ran to the boys' bedroom.
Jason picked up Jeremy and took him out on to the followed with the lantern. Jason tried to set Jeremy down on his feet. Jeremy's knees started to buckle. Jason picked him up again. Jason sat down in the rocking chair on the porch holding Jeremy in his arms. Jeremy was no longer making choking sounds. He had stopped crying. Jeremy was having difficulty breathing.
Jason put one hand on Jeremy's back. He put his other hand on his youngest brother's chest. Jeremy's eyes were closed.
"Look at me, Jeremy.' Jason told him.
The boy did not open his eyes.
"Jeremy, I said look at me," repeated Jason
Opening his eyes, Jeremy had such a look of fear, it made Jason gasp.
"What are you afraid of Jeremy"? asked Josh. He was more worried now.
Jeremy would not tell his brothers the reason for his crying and his fear. He had a terrible nightmare.
There was no response from Jeremy. He continued to look fearfully at Jason. His breathing was still labored.
"Are you in pain, brother? You must answer me somehow." Jason said anxiously.
Jeremy shook his head no. Jeremy sneezed.
Jason noticed that the boy was shivering.
"Josh, please bring me the blanket that's folded on the end of my bed."
"Sure, Jason." Josh ran inside and brought back the blanket.
Jason opened the blanket and wrapped it around Jeremy. The youngest brother began breathing a little easier. He laid his head against Jason's chest. Jeremy could hear his brother's heartbeat. It was such a comforting sound it made the sleepy boy sigh.
Jason rocked the rocking chair slowly. He had one arm wrapped tightly around Jeremy. With his other arm, he motioned for Josh to come stand next to the chair. Josh did so. Jason put his arm around Joshua's shoulder.
The rocking chair kept moving slowly. Jeremy went to sleep. The two older brothers were almost asleep too until they heard Jeremy snore. Jason and Josh smiled at each other.
"Let's go inside." Jason whispered.
Later when all the brothers were back in their beds, Jason was lying awake wondering again why Jeremy was so upset. Jason fell asleep saying a prayer for both of his brothers.
The next morning, Jeremy got up early. He packed a bag. He put some food in a knapsack. Jeremy was going to meet the mail coach. His friend, Billy bought him a ticket with money Jeremy had saved.
Jeremy left the cabin with his bag and knapsack. Before he went to meet the coach, Jeremy hugged his favorite horse, Big Brownie goodbye. Jeremy cried a little. He wiped his eyes on his sleeve. He headed for Lottie's to meet the mail coach.
It was so early that none of the businesses were open.
Jeremy didn't have to wait long for the mail coach. When it arrived, Jeremy gave the driver his ticket.
The driver looked at the ticket which was to Clearwater. "I don't go this far today, son. I only go to Dobson's Crossing today. Is that alright"?
Jeremy nodded yes.
"Do you talk, son"? asked the driver.
Jeremy shook his head no.
"Okay. Let me do my pick ups and drop offs. Then we can go." The driver said.
Jeremy helped with the pick ups and drop offs. Some of the bags were almost too heavy for him.
In a short time, Jeremy and the driver were on their way to Dobson's Crossing. Since Jeremy was the only passenger, he was riding up top with the driver.
"Going to see some of your kin"? asked the driver.
Jeremy nodded. He hated to lie. But, he knew the driver would be suspicious if he shook his head no.
As they were traveling, it began to snow.
"Looks like we're gonna get a heavy snow this time." The driver commented
"It must be kinda hard not being able to talk." The driver glanced at Jeremy.
Jeremy shrugged.
The driver said, "You seem like a real smart boy. You'll do just fine. "
When they arrived at Dobson's Crossing, the ground was covered with snow. It was still snowing hard. Jeremy and the driver went into the store that served as tbt mail pick up and drop off point.
Jeremy was shivering even with his coat on. He sneezed a few times.
"God bless you, son. Enjoy your visit." The driver told Jeremy before he left.
Jeremy nodded as he shook the driver's hand.
When the mail coach was out of sight, Jeremy left the store at Dobson's Crossing. He headed in the direction of. Clearwater. After walking a few miles, Jeremy made a wrong turn but he didn't realize it. He was now headed toward Sycamore.
The weather got colder. It kept snowing. Jeremy started sneezing and coughing. Jeremy kept walking.
Back in Seattle, when Jason and Josh woke up, they figured that Jeremy went to school early. They didn't know exactly how early he had left.
Later in the morning, school was dismissed early because of the heavy snow. An hour later, Jason closed the logging camp due to the snow.
When Jason and Josh arrived at the cabin, they were surprised that Jeremy was not there. They went by the school to see if Jeremy was still there. After Miss Box told them that their brother was not at school today, Jason and Joshua were frightened.
It was dangerously cold. If Jeremy was out in this weather for a prolonged time, he could die.
Miss Box suggested that they talk to Billy Carson, Jeremy's friend. The Bolts thanked her for her suggestion.
Jason and Josh knew that Billy sometimes helped Ben at his store after school. They went to Ben's . Billy was there helping his father get supplies
"Hello, , Billy." Jason said.
"Is it alright if we talk to Billy, Mr. Carson"? asked Jason.
"It's fine." Mr. Carson replied.
"Thank you. Billy, Joshua and I are very worried, in fact, we are frightened about Jeremy being out in this weather. Miss Box told us he was not at school today. We are not angry at Jeremy or at you, Billy. If you know anything about where Jeremy is or why he has stopped talking, please tell us." Jason said.
"Son, I'm not angry at you either. I just want you to help the Bolts if you can. Billy, if Jeremy is out in this weather too long, he could die. You must help his brothers if you can." Mr. Carson told his son.
Billy looked at his dad and the Bolts. " I don't want Jeremy to die. He's my friend. That's why I helped him and why I haven't said anything."
"Tell us now, son." Mr. Carson replied.
"About a week ago, Jeremy and I were at Lottie's after school. We were having a sarsaparilla. We were just talking and laughing not bothering anybody. This man came in and he heard us talking. When he heard Jeremy stuttering this man came over to our table. He looked at Jeremy and he said….he said…"Billy hesitated.
"It's okay, Billy. Tell us what this man said." Jason told him calmly.
"This man told Jeremy, you're that little backward Bolt boy, aren't you. I'm surprised your brother hasn't put you in the asylum before now. But, I'm sure he will get around to it before too much longer. Busy business men like Jason Bolt don't let their family shame get in their way of achieving their goals." Billy looked as if he was about to cry.
Jason and Joshua were aghast. Joshua had made a fist of his right hand. He was punching the palm of his left hand with his fist.
Jason inhaled so sharply he practically snorted. A low deep growl came from his throat.
"Billy, the Bolts are not upset with you. They are angry at the man who said these horrible things to Jeremy." Mr. Carson told his son.
"Your dad's right. We are not angry at you, Billy. Who is the man that talked to Jeremy like that"? Josh asked.
"He works with Mr. Stempel. His name is Milford Randolph." Billy answered.
"After Mr. Randolph said those things to Jeremy, what did Jeremy do"? asked Josh.
"He got up and ran out of Lottie's. I followed him. I knew his feelings were hurt real bad. We ran down to the river. Jeremy cried so hard that he puked. He said he would never talk again. He didn't want either of you to be ashamed of him. Jeremy said he was sorry that he was backward and that he can't talk right. He said he would go live somewhere else until he was grown up and maybe by then he could talk right. Jeremy said if he could talk right and wasn't backward anymore, he would come back home. Jeremy said if he wasn't backward anymore that both of you would love him again." Billy got choked up a little.
"Oh, my God! That sweet boy has been thinking that his brothers don't love him." Jason said sadly.
"We ought to thrash that Randolph within an inch of his life! Who does he think he is talking to our brother that way?! Josh said angrily.
"Take it easy, Josh. I'm furious too. We will take care of Mr. Randolph. But, Jeremy is our top priority." Jason said trying to calm himself as well as his brother.
"Yes, you're right, Jason. It's just that I don't understand how someone can say such awful things especially to a child." Josh said.
"I tried to tell Jeremy that Mr. Randolph was a bunch of baloney. But, you know Jeremy takes things to heart so much. I mean it's not Jeremy's fault. It was awful what Mr. Randolph said. But, I wish Jeremy wouldn't let himself be hurt so easy. I guess he can't help it. He's a great friend to me." Billy said.
.
"Billy, where did Jeremy go today"? asked Jason.
"He went to Clearwater. He left on the Mail Coach early this morning. He gave me some money. I bought his ticket for him." Billy answered.
"Thank you for telling us, Billy. Thank you for being Jeremy's friend." Josh replied.
"Jeremy's gonna be okay, right"? Billy asked worriedly.
"Jeremy will be fine. Don't worry, Billy." Jason said as he tousled Billy's hair.
"Let's go, Josh. We need to get on the road to Clearwater."
The Bolts and the Carsons said goodbye
Jason and Josh got their gear together. They mounted their horses and rode in the direction of Clearwater.
"We will find him in time, won't we, Jason? If we lost Jeremy, I just…" Josh was scared.
Jason was scared too. "We'll find him in plenty of time Josh. Why can't he realize how much we love him. We tell him. Sometimes, don't we? "
"Yeah, I guess." Josh answered.
"When was the last time"? Jason asked.
Jason was ashamed to admit that he couldn't remember the last time he told Jeremy that he loves him.
"Joshua, I love you. I'm sorry I don't tell you more often. "Jason said.
"It's okay, Jason. I love you too." Josh replied.
The brothers rode on toward Clearwater in the cold and the snow. Both prayed they would have more chances to tell Jeremy how much they love him.
Jeremy had walked for several hours. He was coughing a lot. He was feeling bad. Jeremy was feeling very hot even though it was cold.
After walking for a little while longer, Jeremy felt he couldn't go another step. It was getting dark too. He didn't think it was this far to Clearwater.
Jeremy decided to sit down and rest a few minutes. Then he would walk some more. Jeremy sat down at the base of a tree. He got a piece of fried chicken out of his knapsack. He ate the chicken and drank some water from his canteen. After he finished his meal, he decided to walk some more. He saw a light ahead. Maybe he was finally getting to Clearwater.
Jeremy walked and walked. He began to get sleepy. It was pitch dark now. Jeremy got so tired he had to sit down. He knew it was not a good idea. But, he was so tired. Jeremy decided he would rest a few minutes and then walk some more. Surely, he was getting close to that light.
Jeremy fell asleep in the cold and the snow. He slept there all night.
Jason and Josh arrived in Clearwater. They searched the saloons. There was no sign of Jeremy. They went to the hotel. The manager and the other employees had not seen Jeremy. The two brothers searched the stables and the alleys. They did not find Jeremy. They went in all the churches. Jason and Joshua could not find Jeremy. At the last church they searched, the minister prayed with them that they would find their baby brother safe and sound. The minister consoled the two brothers when they cried and told him how afraid they were that they had lost their precious brother forever.
The next morning, Rachel Carpenter woke up early. She had a nightmare about her nine year old son, Jacob who died a year ago.
Rachel got up out of bed being careful not to wake up her husband Isaiah. After Rachel got dressed, she went to the kitchen to start cooking breakfast. Then she remembered the flowers she had placed on Jacob's grave yesterday.
Rachel put on her coat and went outside to get the flowers. She worried that they were probably ruined by the snow. Maybe she could save a few of them. As Rachel walked across her yard, she saw something lying on the ground. She walked closer to it.
"Oh, my goodness! It's a little boy! Isaiah! Come quickly"! Rachel exclaimed.
Rachel moved as fast as she could to the child. It was Jeremy. Rachel bent down to him. She felt his neck for a pulse. He was alive.
Isaiah came running out of the house to Rachel and Jeremy.
"Oh, the poor child! I wonder how he got way out here in this weather."
Isaiah said.
Isaiah picked up Jeremy. He ran to the house with him. Rachel followed as fast as she could.
Isaiah took Jeremy's coat and wet clothes off of him. Isaiah was undressing him by the fireplace where it was warm.
Rachel came in the house. She got towels, blankets, and some of Jacob's clothes and underwear. Jeremy looked about the size Jacob had been.
After they got Jeremy dried off and into dry long johns, Isaiah put a cot by the fireplace. Rachel got Jeremy settled into the cot. Isaiah examined him for injuries and for frostbite. He saw no signs of either.
Rachel put cold wet cloths on Jeremy's forehead to help lower his high fever. Rachel was concerned that Jeremy might have pneumonia. That was how Jacob died last year.
"Isaiah, how do you think this child got out here alone? Surely someone is looking for him. His mother must be out of her mind with worry." Rachel asked her husband.
" I am wondering about that too, dear. I thought perhaps the boy ran away from home." He replied.
"I had not thought of him running away. Maybe someone mistreated him. What a terrible thought, Isaiah. What are we going to do"?
"The first thing is to wait for him to wake up and talk to him." Isaiah answered.
Jeremy woke up the next day. He was sick with Pneumonia. He had terrible coughing spells. His fever continued to be high.
Rachel asked Jeremy his name. He put his finger to his throat and shook his head no implying that he could not talk.
Jeremy was afraid if these people found out he stuttered, they would be ashamed of him too.
"Can you write your name"? Rachel asked him.
Jeremy nodded yes.
Rachel helped Jeremy sit up in his bed. She gave him a pencil and a piece of paper.
Jeremy wrote his first name on the paper. He gave the paper to Rachel.
Rachel looked at the paper. "Jeremy. That is a nice name." She smiled
"What's your last name, Jeremy"? asked Rachel.
Jeremy turned his head away from Rachel
"Jeremy, please tell me your last name. We need to find your family. They are worried about you. They miss you." Rachel said.
Jeremy began crying. He sobbed until he couldn't catch his breath.
Rachel sat down on the side of the bed. She gently pulled Jeremy to her.
"Oh, precious, I'm so sorry. Try to calm down so you can get your breath. "It's alright, precious. It's alright." Rachel said soothingly.
Jeremy put his arms around Rachel's neck. He snuggled close to her. He tried to stop crying. It hurt to breathe when he wasn't crying. Trying to breathe and cry at the same time seemed impossible.
It took Jeremy a few minutes to stop crying. He was heartbroken thinking about his brothers being ashamed of him and not loving figured they were a lot happier now that he was out of their lives.
"Now then, Jeremy. Don't you feel better, sweetheart"? Rachel asked as she helped Jeremy lie down in his bed. Rachel was relieved that Jeremy was breathing easier and that his fever was going down.
Several weeks went by. Jeremy recovered from the Pneumonia. He helped Mr. Carpenter around his farm. He also helped Mrs. Carpenter with some of the household chores. Jeremy liked the couple. They were nice to him. They seemed to like having him around.
Jason and Joshua had searched all over Clearwater several times for Jeremy. They never found a sign of him. They searched between Seattle and Clearwater. They searched Dobson's Crossing.
The brothers went to Olympia. They looked everywhere for the youngest Bolt. Jason and Joshua walked in the woods around all these towns searching and calling their brother's name. They could not find a trace of Jeremy.
Jason and Joshua returned home to Seattle after their latest search for Jeremy. They were exhausted and depressed.
"Joshua, there is only one other thing I know to try and I hate to do it." Jason said somberly.
"What's that, Jason"? Josh asked.
"To contact the local sheriffs and ask if…." Jason paused. He knew Josh would be upset at what he was going to say.
"Ask what, Jason"? Joshua gulped
Jason looked sadly at Josh. "Ask if any bodies of ten year old little boys have been found."
"NO, Jason! Jeremy can't be gone! He just can't"! Josh cried.
"I hate to think this way, Josh. It breaks my heart. But, we have searched and searched. Then searched again. Not a trace of him. Where is he"? Jason choked back tears.
Josh laid down on the floor of the cabin. He cried his heart out.
The next day, Jason went to Ben's Store. He sent telegrams to the sheriffs' in Clearwater, Olympia, and Tacoma regarding the possible recovery of remains of a ten year old boy.
Three days later, Jason received a response from the sheriff in Olympia. The body of a boy approximately ten years old with dark hair and blue eyes had been found. The telegram was received about 8am. Jason wired back that he would arrive later in the afternoon to view the remains.
Jason didn't want Josh to go. He was only fourteen. Jason wasn't sure if Josh could handle it. Jason wasn't sure that he himself could handle it. Jason had never been so terrified in his life.
"YOU CAN'T STOP ME, JASON"! Josh yelled when Jason suggested that he shouldn't go to Olympia.
"Alright, Josh. As long as you think you can be prepared if it is Jeremy." Jason told him gently.
"He's my brother. I have to do it." Josh answered firmly.
"Let's go." Jason was proud of Joshua's loyalty to Jeremy.
On the way out of town, the Bolts stopped at Stempel's office. They went inside. Aaron and Milford Randolph were there.
"Mr. Randolph, would you step outside, please? I want to talk to you." Jason told him.
The three men and Josh went outside.
Jason drew back his fist. He punched Randolph in the nose with all his strength. He punched him in the stomach over and over as hard as he could. Randolph fell to his knees. Jason knocked him flat on his stomach with his foot. Jason kicked him so hard in the butt with his boot that Randolph bounced along the ground. Jason kicked him in the butt with his boot again and again. Randolph bounced along the ground each time.
Jason snatched Randolph up off the ground. He held him by the lapels of his coat as he screamed in Randolph's face.
"You called my little brother backward! You told him I was going to put him in an asylum! You told him he is the shame of our family! You made him think that we don't love him! How dare you speak to my brother that way! Jeremy ran away because of the things you said! Now my brother, Josh and I are on our way to Olympia to find out if Jeremy is dead! If he is dead, it's your fault! You sorry sack of garbage"! Jason's tirade ended. He slung Randolph to the ground.
Aaron was shocked. "Bolt, I had no idea that Randolph spoke to Jeremy like that. I'm sorry. Randolph, you are fired."
Randolph moaned as he laid on the ground.
Jason and Josh got back on their horses.
"Wait, Bolt, uh, Jason. I'm going with you and your brother. The two of you don't need to do something like this alone." Aaron said.
"Thank you, Aaron. That's kind of you." Jason said grateful that Aaron wanted to help.
"Thank you, Mr. Stempel. That's nice of you." Joshua said. He was also glad of the help. He hated to think what shape he and Jason would be in if the body is Jeremy.
Aaron mounted his horse. He and the Bolts made most of the journey in silence.
"Jason, you and Joshua realize don't you that there is a very good chance that this won't be your brother." Aaron tried to be encouraging.
"Aaron, I appreciate you trying to be hopeful for us and Jeremy. But, Aaron, Jeremy has been gone for so long that there is a chance it could be him." Jason said quietly.
"Yeah, I realize that. But, you know I always want to have the upper hand with you, Jason. I certainly hope I do this time." Aaron said.
"I hope so too, Aaron. Dear Lord, I hope so." replied Jason.
When they arrived in Olympia, they went straight to the Sheriff's Office.
"Hello, I'm Jason Bolt. This is my brother, Joshua and our friend, Aaron Stempel. We are here about the boy's body that was found." Jason said to Sheriff Birdwell.
"Oh, yes, ." the sheriff replied. "Come this way, please."
Jason, Aaron, and Josh followed the sheriff out the backdoor of the building. They walked several feet to another building and went inside.
This building was dimly lit with a lantern here and there. It was cold and musty. The sheriff led them down a long hall. At the end of the hall, he unlocked a door. All of them went into the room.
There was a table with a child's body on it. The body was covered by a sheet. There was a lantern hanging over the table.
Sheriff Birdwell handed Jason a lit lantern. The three men and Josh walked up to the table. All of them looked at the sheet.
"Whenever you're ready." The sheriff cleared his throat.
Jason stood there staring down at the sheet. Jeremy's life began flashing through his mind. He remembered the first time he held Jeremy on the day Jeremy was born. Jeremy had looked right at him with his big blue eyes full of love and trust even then. Jason remembered how Jeremy looked at him with fear in his eyes the night before he ran away.
Jason took a deep breath. "Ready, Josh"? he asked putting his arm around his brother.
Jason felt Aaron's hand on his back. Aaron was standing on the other side of Josh.
"Yes." Replied Josh.
Jason gave the sheriff a nod.
The sheriff pulled back the sheet. Jason and Joshua gasped. The boy was not Jeremy.
Jason shook his head no to the sheriff.
"I'm glad for you folks that this isn't the boy you are looking for." Sheriff Birdwell said.
"We are glad too, Sheriff. If no one claims this child in two weeks, please send me a wire." Jason said.
The sheriff agreed.
Jason, Josh, and Aaron went to the front of the sheriff's office. They got on their horses and headed home to Seattle.
Two blocks away from the sheriff's office, a married couple was moving into their new home. The couple was Isaiah and Rachel Carpenter. Jeremy was with them. This house was located in the direction opposite of the direction the Bolts and Stempel were traveling.
The couple decided to move to Olympia a few weeks ago when Rachel learned that she was pregnant. She wanted to be close to the doctor. Isaiah did not want Rachel tiring herself doing farm work. Rachel had lost two babies in the past. The Carpenters were praying that this baby would be be born healthy.
That night at the Bolt cabin. Jason had a serious talk with Joshua.
"Joshua, I hate to say this, but we both know that Jeremy is most likely dead." Jason said sadly.
"I know, Jason." Josh was sad too.
"Why did you ask the sheriff to wire you if no one claims that boy's body"? Josh asked
"Well, Josh, if no one claims him, he needs someone to bury him and show him the respect he deserves. If someone finds Jeremy, I pray that person will do the same for him." Jason explained.
" I understand." Josh said sadly
"Josh, I have been thinking. We can do something to show our respects for Jeremy even though we haven't found him." Jason said
"You mean like a funeral"? Josh asked his brother.
"Yes, a memorial service" Jason said somberly.
"Okay." Josh agreed.
A few days later, there was a Memorial Service at the church for Jeremy. There were lots of tears and lots of smiles. Lottie and Miss Box cried their eyes out. Jason and Joshua of course shed many tears. Jeremy's school friends told stories of Jeremy listening to them when they had problems. Others told how he taught them how to fish or how he was teaching them to play the guitar. The minister read some scriptures Prayers were said. Hymns were sung. Jason told the congregation that a Cross Marker would be placed on Bridal Veil Mountain next to their parents' graves.
The next night, Jason and Joshua were eating supper.
"Josh, there is a horse auction in Olympia this Saturday. What do you say we go and buy us a new horse, maybe two"? asked Jason.
"Okay." Josh answered.
Jason sighed. He knew Josh was in a lot of pain. Jason missed Jeremy so much sometimes he had to remind himself to breathe.
On Saturday morning, Jason and Josh traveled to Olympia. Jason wanted to stop by the bank first to get some cash.
Jason and Josh walked into the bank. They noticed there was a long line at one teller window. They went to the window with the shorter line. They did not see a ten year old boy with dark hair and big blue eyes in the long line, but he saw them.
Jeremy was surprised to see his brothers. He had not seen them in months. He stepped out of the line a few inches to get a better look at them.
Suddenly, Jeremy felt someone slam into him. Jeremy looked behind him just as he hit the floor. The man had a gun drawn and he was wearing a mask. Jeremy looked in the direction the man was going.
The man with the gun was headed right for Jason and Josh. Their backs were to the man. They didn't see him coming.
"J-J-J-JASON! L-L-L-LOOK OUT"! Jeremy screamed.
Jason thought he must be hearing things. But he whirled around and grabbed the thief's arm in his strong grip. The thief dropped the gun. Jason picked up the gun and gave it to the bank teller.
Jason and Josh ran over to Jeremy. Jason scooped him up into his arms.
"JEREMY ! Oh, dear God! JEREMY! You saved our lives, brother"! Jason exclaimed.
Joshua was overcome with emotion. Since Jason was holding Jeremy, the only part of Jeremy that Josh could reach was his legs.
Josh wrapped his arms around Jeremy's legs. Josh cried saying, "I love you, Jeremy. I love you so much."
Rachel and Isaiah were in the bank with Jeremy. They were in shock from the events of the past few minutes.
Jeremy introduced the Carpenters and his brothers. He apologized to Rachel and Isaiah for lying about not being able to talk. Jeremy apologized to his brothers for running away.
The Carpenters invited the Bolt brothers back to their house.
When they got to the house, Jason told Jeremy that he and Josh knew about what Mr. Randolph said to him. Jason told Jeremy that absolutely nothing would ever make him or Joshua stop loving him or be ashamed of him. Jason also told Jeremy he never had to be afraid of being placed in an asylum. Jason assured Jeremy and Joshua that he loved them both more than his own life.
Rachel teared up at how loving and kind Jason was to his brothers. She said that she was so happy that Jeremy had such a wonderful family.
Jason thanked Isaiah and Rachel for taking such good care of Jeremy. Jeremy thanked them too.
Jason told the Carpenters of the search efforts to find Jeremy. Isaiah told Jason that their old home was located down what his father called a pig trail in a very small community called Sycamore. Jason said he had never heard of Sycamore.
The Bolt brothers said goodbye to the Carpenters. They went home to Seattle.
Everyone in town was overjoyed that Jeremy was home safe and sound. Lottie and Miss Box cried tears of joy.
The three brothers got back into their routine quickly.
Jason had a serious talk with Jeremy about his not talking for so long.
"Jeremy, you can always talk to me or Josh about anything. The next time someone says something that hurts your feelings, please tell me or Josh. Some people are cruel and enjoy hurting other people. You don't have to deal with the pain alone. Brothers are to help you. And to love you…no matter what. Oh, Jeremy! I love you with all my heart. I missed you so much I could hardly breathe." Jason broke down sobbing.
Jeremy hugged his brother. "I l-l-love y-y-y-you, J-J-J-Jason."
Later that night, Jason was sound asleep when noise from his brothers' room woke him.
"Move over, baby brother! You're taking up the whole bed"! Josh yelled.
"Baby brother! Who you calling baby brother"? Jeremy yelled.
"You, baby brother"! yelled Josh.
"Oh, yeah? Well, you're a big dumb cheese brain"! yelled Jeremy.
Jason smiled as he remembered that Jeremy doesn't stutter sometimes when he gets angry. Jason thought he'd better go tell the boys to be quiet. Just as Jason was about to put his foot on the floor, he caught himself. He was not going to tell Jeremy to be quiet. He had been too quiet for too long. Jason laid back down and listened to his brothers.
"Hey, baby brother"! said Josh.
"W-w-w-what, b-b-big dumb c-c-c-cheese b-b-b-brain"? asked Jeremy.
"I love you, brother." Josh told him.
"I l-l-l-love y-y-y-you, b-b-b-brother." Jeremy told Josh.
Jason smiled as he fell asleep counting his blessings. At the top of his list were Big Dumb Cheese Brain and Baby Brother.
The End
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