Adeline’s cough got worse. She struggled to get out of bed. Emma called the doctor, but Adeline only got worse. Then one morning she collapsed and never arose again.

Sadie grieved as much as Emma. She had loved Adeline as a mother.

The one thing Sadie always wanted was a family of her own. She saw the love between Adeline and Nelson had for each other and their children. They showed her kindness and treated her as one of their own, but just as she felt one of their own, her parents came back and took her away. She had tried to earn their love to have them treat her the way Emma and Leo were treated, but she was frequently ignored, expected to care for Everett, or cook. She was thrilled to return to the farm.

Sadie watched as Adeline welcomed Leo back with open arms. Sadie longed to have a loving family, too.

When Adeline died, Sadie cried harder than when she lost her parents. She was more determined then ever to have her own family.

Sadie was introduced to Myron. She had briefly dated other men, but none had made her feel the way Myron did. He fed her compliments and showed her the affection she craved. Emma thought they were moving too quickly, but Sadie was enjoying the attention. She had found love at last.

After a brief courtship, they eloped.

Myron had told Sadie that his house was small. She expected something like the farmhouse, but it was much smaller. She never imagined it would be just one room. Still, she would make the best of it.

Soon she was pregnant. She was excited. Myron seemed surprised, but happy at the news.

Sadie would have a family at last.

They had little money for any extras. Sadie planted vegetables. Myron worked long hours, but brought little money home. Sadie wondered how she could raise a child on so little.

When Sadie went into labor, Myron was still not home. She feared she would be left to deliver the infant herself, but finally he came home.

Sadie had a daughter, Stella. Sadie had never felt more love than when she held her daughter.

Myron seemed proud to be a father. He cooed to her. Myron began to come home earlier from work to spend time with them. Things were good for a few months.

Sadie quickly became pregnant again.

Myron resumed his long hours at work. He hoped for a boy, but Sadie wanted another girl. Emma was her best friend and she wanted the same for Stella.

Stella became a big sister to Kerry. This time, however, Myron did not spend much time cooing over the new baby. He began staying away longer and longer. Sometimes he wouldn’t come home until they were all in bed.

Emma would visit when she was able. She would bring fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. Sadie was grateful. She barely had enough to keep the kids fed and clothed.

“You look so tired,” Emma remarked.

“I didn’t sleep well last night,” Sadie said keeping her worries to herself.

“You can always come back to the farm,” Emma told her.

Kerry began walking, but things did not improve at home. Myron continued to come home later and later. He would often smell of cigarettes and alcohol. She could no longer pretend that he was at the factory all this time.

The electricity had been turned off and Sadie would have to beg for money to care for the children.

She began to wonder if he was spending all his time and money on another woman.

Things weren’t all bad. Her children were healthy and played well together. Stella liked having her brother follow her around, mimicking her. Kerry would go and go until finally he finally crashed.

Sadie didn’t understand why Myron didn’t want to spend time with his family. Why had he married her in the first place if he didn’t want to be home?