Elizabeth rang the school bell and opened the front doors. As the kids exited the schoolhouse, she wished them well for the weekend. It was a long week, and she was ready for some rest.

"Mrs. Thatcher, can I leave my library book here and take it back on Monday? I need to get home and help with family chores." Toby walked up to her holding three books in his hands.

"Sure, I will take them back when I go tomorrow to pick out some new books for the week. Please tell your dad he continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. Please tell your mom Minnie Canfield will be bringing supper for the next week along with some bakery items for breakfast. Mr. Canfield is asking for volunteers for the fieldwork for the next few weeks as well. We will find a way to help your family through this." Elizabeth rubbed the boy's left shoulder.

"Thank you. Dad is still not feeling well and sleeps most of the day. He said we shouldn't ask for help but it's not easy right now." Toby sighed.

"You can always ask me for help. You and your family are not alone. " Elizabeth leaned in to give him a hug.

"Thank you." Toby hugged her again before going outside.


"Elizabeth, do you have a minute?" Nathan asked as he walked up the stairs.

"Sure. Is something going on with Allie?" Elizabeth asked as she turned walking back up to the front of the room. She stopped in front of her desk, turning to face him.

Nathan shut the doors before turning around to face Elizabeth. He could feel the tension in the room as he looked at her. Difficult conversations were hard for him.

"Nathan, what do you want to talk about?" Elizabeth asked. She could feel herself becoming anxious knowing the answer before even hearing the answer.

"You are leaving Hope Valley? What about teaching? What about the children?" Nathan asked as he slowly walked towards her.


"Nathan, this isn't about me. Hope Valley …" Her words trailed off.

"What do you want?" Nathan asked bluntly, standing just a few feet away.

"Nathan." Elizabeth stood quietly.

"Stop thinking of everyone else. What do you want?" Nathan asked again.

"I don't know." Elizabeth shook her head.

"You told me once when I was thinking of leaving. Hope Valley is my home. Now is my turn to remind you. This is your home. You have built a family here. You have friends here. Talk to Lucas and tell him what you need. Don't make the same mistakes I did with Faith and push her away." Nathan smiled at Elizabeth.

"This is about saving the town. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made." Elizabeth looked down and then away to the windows avoiding his gaze.

"What do you want?" Nathan asked bluntly, standing just a few feet away.


"Nathan, this isn't about me. Hope Valley …" Her words trailed off.

"Stop thinking of everyone else. What do you want?" Nathan asked again.

"I don't know." Elizabeth shook her head.

"You told me once when I was thinking of leaving. Hope Valley is my home. Now is my turn to remind you. This is your home. You have built a family here. You have friends here. Talk to Lucas and tell him what you need. Don't make the same mistakes I did with Faith and push her away." Nathan smiled at Elizabeth.

"Thank you. You are a great friend Nathan. You are right I need to tell him what I am feeling. Take your own advice and talk to Faith." Elizabeth smiled.