Elijah Hunt "P.S." to "Stranger in the Glade"

 by Micaiah C. 

 

     This story takes place the day after Andi and Riley return from their special glade and discovered "Elijah Hunt" living there. So, what happened next? Here is Micaiah's idea.

The family sat down to Sunday dinner. Andi was practically bursting with excitement. After the roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn on the cob was passed around, Andi began.

     “Mother, do you recognize the name Elijah Hunt?”

     Elizabeth gasped, “How?”

     Andi grinned, “You remember?”

     Elizabeth nodded, “The night your father proposed he disappeared.”

“Who’s Elijah Hunt?” Chad butted in.

Andi ignored him, and began again, “We found him yesterday. In,” Andi paused, “On a picnic.”

Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand.

“Who’s Elijah Hunt?” Chad said again.

“Is he well?” Elizabeth asked.

Andi nodded, “He was shanghaied. He just got back.”

“What?”

“You should let him tell you the story.”

Elizabeth nodded, “Why didn’t you bring him here?”

Andi grinned, “He didn’t want to. We’ll bring you to see him later.” 

Elizabeth nodded.

Andi grinned, “Would you tell us the rest of the story?”

“What story!” Chad practically shouted, red-faced.

Andi chuckled, “I love knowing things you don’t, Big Brother.” She quickly filled the rest of the table in.

“Alright,” Elizabeth began, “James came to my little shop at 6 o’clock. He seemed especially nervous.

 

1849, San Francisco California 

 James Carter paced back and forth, “Where’s Elijah?”

Elizabeth Johnsten stepped out from her place behind the counter. Her navy skirt rustled as she walked. She straightened her white blouse, and tucked a loose strand of golden hair behind her ear. “James,” she began, “I don’t think he’s coming.”

James sighed. I guess you're right. He was supposed to be here an hour ago. I’ll go find him.”

    

     Present Time

 

     “Your father returned an hour later. Elijah was nowhere to be found.”

     Andi gasped.

     Elizabeth continued, “A week later he came back.”

 

     1849, San Francisco California

      “Are you ready, Beth?” James asked, giving her his arm.

     She nodded.

     Soom they entered a small cafe, about a block from her store.

     They were seated by a young waitress. After they ordered James bent down to itch his leg.

     “Beth,” he began, “You surely are an amazing woman. I have fallen in love with you. Will you, you,” he paused and took the ring from his lap, “marry me?”

 

     Present Time

 

     “The rest is history.”

  ~~~

     The next day Elizabeth accompanied Andi and Riley to the Banded Rocks.

     When Riley showed her the entrance, she shook her head, “I don’t think I’m going to go in there.”

     Andi shrugged, “I can go get him.”

     Elizabeth smiled, “Thank you, Dear.”

     Andi smiled sweetly at Riley, “Would you go find him, Riley?”

     Riley chuckled, “Anything for my sweet wife.”

    

     A half hour later Riley emerged with an old man behind him. Elizabeth gasped, “Elijah?”

     Elijah smiled a watery smile, “Is that you, Beth?”

     Elizabeth nodded and ran to give him a hug.

     “We thought you were dead!”

 ~~~

     A few months later Andi, Riley and Jared crawled through the hole into the glade.

     Jared tottled off calling, “‘Lijah!”

     “Where is he?” Andi asked, looking at Riley.

     Riley shrugged.

     She looked over to where Jared was. He was looking down on Elijah. It looked as though he was sleeping, but she knew he wasn’t. She covered her mouth with her hand, “Oh Riley!”

     Riley held his arms out for her, and she fell into him.

     Elijah had gone to be with the Savior he loved.

     ~~~

     They buried him, that day, in the glade he loved so well. Under the willow tree, as he wished.