71 Funeral of the Reeds

With the men gone Aunt Merlin asked Louise,

"Are you sure about it? The place to live I mean. You can continue living here, and your uncle and I would be more than happy to have you here. As much as I wanted to see you to marry someone who could take care of you, and live your life. We have missed you." 

Louise smiled at her softly, "And I have missed you, Aunt Merlin." She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around her aunt, who had brought her up. 

"I am so sorry that you have to go through this," whispered Aunt Merlin, and Louise placed her chin on the woman's shoulder. She then heard her aunt ask her, "Do you want to visit the church?" 

"Maybe later," replied Louise, pulling away from her aunt's embrace.