Mr. Polski chuckled. “Yes, I used to bring the family here for picnics and occasionally a small bonfire when it got cool. Freda especially likes being here,” he said. They watched Freda make her way to the small pier and sit alone at the end. “Let her alone for a while. That was where she and her mother used to sit and talk.”
Petyr and Mr. Polski unpacked all the equipment and set up the tent. Then he pulled out a large wooden box and placed it on the ground. “There’s all the food you’ll need. I made sure there was plenty. The lake is fed by several springs, so the water should be almost pure. To be sure, you might want to boil it first,” he said. “Later this evening pull the rope loops up to the top of the box and hang it on that rope over by the tree. It will keep the animals out of it.”
Once everything was done, Mr. Polski turned to Petyr. “Petyr, I think she needs you right now. I’m sure you will be able to help her. But if something goes wrong, just hike back to the house and call me. I’ll come get you. If not, I’ll be back Sunday about midafternoon.” He smiled at Petyr. “You two have fun,” he said as he placed his hand on Petyr’s shoulder. Then he walked to the pier to say good bye. Petyr saw him kiss his daughter on the forehead and then climb in the car and leave. He waved as he rounded the bend.
Letting Freda keep to her thoughts, Petyr started rummaging around the area gathering wood for the fire. Within a short time, there was a healthy pile and he had gotten the fire started. Slowly adding the sticks and twigs, it soon was large enough to make good coals for cooking. He was startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Freda sat down on a log next to him and leaned into him. Petyr placed his arm across her shoulders. They sat for a while soaking in the heat of the fire as it slowly burned down to coals. More wood was added and the two opened the chest to get something to eat. There was enough food for a week.
After making some selections, Petyr cooked their meal. Not much was spoken except for the pleasantries while eating. By the time everything was cleaned up, it was dark outside. Petyr sat back down beside Freda again. In a few minutes she gave a long sigh. “I always loved it here,” she said.
“I can understand it. I’ve never seen a place so beautiful. If I could, I would be here every day,” he said.
“My family used to come here often. Mother would prepare the meals and we would play along the banks and here in the woods. I don’t think I ever appreciated it as much as I do now. This was a happy place for us,” Freda said wistfully.
This is progress, thought Petyr. At least she was talking. “The place hasn’t changed. The happiness we bring with us,” he said. “I appreciate the chance to bring you here.”
She turned and looked at him. “I was hoping you would bring me. I have been thinking a lot about my mother, and it’s been keeping me awake at night. I don’t think I’ve slept in a week,” she said.
“So you think coming here will help?”
A smile came to her face. “Partly, but I need time with you. Petyr, I wanted this time because I need to be held. I need to feel your arms around me. I need to feel loved. I feel like I need to know that someone who cares for me will still be there for me,” she sighed. “Petyr, I know you love me. When you told my mother you would care for me, she knew it too. It was the most wonderful thing I had ever heard, and Mother knew I was safe. So just hold me. Let me feel you next to me. I don’t know why, but somehow I feel I need this more than anything,” she said almost pleadingly.
Petyr wrapped his arms around Freda as she buried her face in his shoulder and held tight. “I said I would take care of you, and I will. I am here for you and will always be.” He kissed her on the head. They sat there for a long time until the moon peeked over the trees and lit the area of the tent. Petyr looked down on her and said, “Why don’t you go on in and get ready for bed. I’ll put the food up and when you are finished, I’ll come in.”
She nodded and went into the tent. Petyr closed the food box and pulled the loops up from each side. The rope on the tree was attached to a pulley on one of the high branches. He lowered it down and attached the end to the box loops. Pulling the rope lifted the box high into the air, away from the reach of any animals, he secured the line to the tree. He could hear a zipper being pulled in the tent. “You ready?” he asked.
“I’m ready,” came the reply.
He entered the tent to find that Freda had zipped the two sleeping bags together. She was already in one side. Seeing the look on his face, she said, “Just come on in. I just need you with me tonight.”
He started to get in fully clothed. “Petyr, go ahead and remove your clothes. I know I am safe with you,” she said.
In the dim light, she watched as he undressed and then slid into the sleeping bag beside her. She snuggled up next to him and placed her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her. In a few moments Freda began to cry. For twenty long minutes she let her emotions pour out. When the last of her tears were released, Petyr felt her breathing become steady. She fell asleep in his arms. In a short time he too fell asleep, feeling as if he had done a miraculous thing.
Mr. Polski opened the door to the apartment and called out for Rudy. If it was just them, they would go out for a meal. It would do them both good.
Rudy walked out of his room with a serious look on his face. Mr. Polski noticed. “What’s wrong, Rudy? Is something the matter?”
Rudy looked up at his father. “I don’t know. Is there something wrong with me?” he asked.
The question took Polski aback for a moment. “Not as far as I see, son. Are you feeling ill?”
Rudy shook his head. “No, but Mama’s death has really hurt Freda badly. It’s like she has lost it. She hasn’t talked to me all week, and now you let her go out with Petyr for the weekend to try and cheer her up. I miss Mama, but why am I not as upset about it as she is? I feel like I am letting Mama down or something,” he said sincerely.
Mr. Polski placed his arm around his son’s shoulders and led him to the couch where they sat down. “No, son, there’s nothing wrong. Each of us has to deal with death in our own way. We both are sad that Mama is gone. I loved your mother for over twenty years. You don’t see me moping around, do you?”
Rudy shook his head, “No.”
“Well, that’s a part of the differences between all of us. You know how we have gone out and done things together without your Mama and sister? Well Freda and Mama had their time together as well. Mama taught her to cook, sew, do little things around the house, all kinds of things a mother would show her daughter. So it’s not unreasonable for Freda to be particularly upset.”
“But why couldn’t we help her instead of Petyr?”
Polski grinned. “Rudy, you haven’t been in love yet. She may not know it, but she loves Petyr very much, and I figure he feels the same way about her. Sure, we could do things with her and she would eventually be alright, but sometimes a young girl needs the companionship of someone they have feelings for. She loves us, but she may not say or do some of the things she would like to do around us. So I asked Petyr to spend the weekend with her,” he said softly.
Rudy’s eyes widened. “He wouldn’t…”
Mr. Polski raised a finger. “Do you trust your sister?”
Rudy nodded.
“Do you trust Petyr?”
“I guess so,” said Rudy, although he had some doubts.
“I trust Petyr too. He is a very good young man and I feel like he would be an asset to our family,” said Polski, “So I am willing to let them figure out these things for themselves. I know he won’t force himself on her. He cares for her too much. But don’t be surprised if they don’t come home feeling much better about themselves,” he said.