Lizabeth's Story by Thomas Kinkade Page A

think there’ll be an epidemic?” Todd asked.
    â€œI think Miss Cotter is being cautious,” Kat said, “so that we don’t have one.”
    A chill swept through Lizabeth. Classmates were out all the time with colds and sore throats and no one thought anything of it. If they closed the school because of scarlet fever, it must be serious. Lizabeth didn’t speak.Her only thoughts were of Tracy.
    They walked back toward the lighthouse and even Todd and Jamie were quiet.
    They passed the bait-and-tackle shed on Lighthouse Lane. Mabel was out in front sweeping up. Kat and Lizabeth stopped to say hello, but they didn’t get too close. Kat had a protective arm on Jamie’s shoulder, holding him at a distance.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Mabel said with a big smile. “I’m over it. Dr. Forbes said I’m not contagious anymore.”
    Lizabeth looked her over carefully. Mabel seemed like her normal self. She was a little pale, but that could be from being indoors for such a long time.
    â€œWas it awful?” Lizabeth asked.
    â€œYou know something? I don’t even remember the whole week,” Mabel said. “I was burning up and I stayed in bed and I felt terrible and then…I guess I slept a lot. It’s funny not to remember all those days.”
    â€œI’m glad you’re all better,” Kat said.
    â€œOh, me, too! Now I can go out and play and go anywhere! And nobody in my family caught it, either.”
    Tracy, too, will get better soon, Lizabeth thought. Poor little Tracy, she must be burning up and feeling miserable now. But it’ll be over soon.
    She was so glad they’d run into Mabel! Now she could think about happier things. Like the Strawberry Festival. My goodness, May nineteenth was only nine days away! She’d better prepare to look her very best.
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    Friday went by and then Saturday. Lizabeth really tried to get used to living at Kat’s but it just wasn’t relaxing.
    Everyone was always rushing from one job to another, from lighthouse repairs to clean-up duties. The vegetable garden, the chickens, coal brought in and out, water brought in and out. The Williamses took care of their old horse themselves, though keeping him in a livery stable would be so much easier! Even little Jamie had chores. Who’d ever imagine there was so much to be done around one little cottage?
    Lizabeth did mean to be helpful, but the Williamses seemed to have a set routine.
    â€œNo, thanks. I think I’d better do it,” Kat said when Lizabeth halfheartedly volunteered to feed the chickens again.
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    On Sunday they went to church. After the service, Rose told them that her father had seen Tracy. There was no change yet.
    Everything quieted down for the Sabbath. On Monday, the chores started all over again.
    It was already Monday, May fourteenth, Lizabeth thought. Tracy had been sick for seven days. That had to mean her scarlet fever would be gone soon. Of course, Tracy would get well. Of course, she would! The Strawberry Festival was in five days and Tracy would be there, a little pale maybe, but stuffing herself with strawberry shortcake.
    At the cottage that afternoon, Aunt Jean asked, “Do you like chicken, Lizabeth? I thought I’d fry some up for dinner. And maybe corn fritters.”
    â€œThat sounds delicious, Aunt Jean,” Lizabeth said. She might have liked that if she could stop thinking of those dirty creatures that had pecked at her! But she was absolutely determined to be a considerate guest. “Delicious.”
    A hesitant expression must have crossed her face, though, because then Aunt Jean asked, “Lizabeth, tell me. Is there anything else you’d like?”
    â€œAunt Jean, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to have a cucumber and a lemon.”
    Aunt Jean smiled. “That’s fine. I’m going to the market now anyway.”
    When Aunt Jean returned, she handed over the