Patience wasn't sure what to say.  The truth was that she knew no other life, but her life wasn't all that good.  She had seen how happy the other children were, but they weren't having to deal with Temperance and her temper.  They weren't lock into their rooms for the smallest offense, or forbidden to eat with the rest of the community.  In truth, she was eighteen and a child not longer, but she had not prospect of a marriage.  Temperance saw to that.<br/><br/>She did not feel much joy, as did some of the other girls, when looking at the men of the community, but she thought it might be good to be married.  If she had a husband like Mr. Yoder, at least she would not have to listen to Temperance so much.... unless the old woman lived with them.  That would be horrible.<br/><br/>As it was, she was unsure of how to answer.  Mr. Yoder was looking at her sadly, with a look of pity she hated.  Even his stern faced wife looked sorry for her.  She was sure that she would embarrass them if she was honest.  Instead, she decided to lie, though she knew it to be a sin.  She simply responded "Ya" and smiled, though the smile did not reach her eyes.  There was little else she could say.<br/><br/>"We live a pretty simple life here," Mr. Yoder said, reaching for the potatoes.  "We don't go in much for your fancy dodas and such.  Still, the children are well feed and well raised.  It's a peaceful life.  Did you have any particular questions."  He took up the conversation that Patience would not, while Patience simply looked embarrassed.<br/><br/>---------------------<br/><br/>Across town, Temperance stood on her front lawn, staring up at the open window of Patience's room.  In one hand she clutched the ripped hem of a dress and in the other a hickory switch.  Her face was white with anger and spittle was coming from her mouth.