She made it back to her room before dawn and was about to fall asleep when her mother began to call for her. Sighing to herself, she slipped out of bed and met her downstairs in the kitchen.
"Your father and I will be in town for a few days to sell some crops and wood works," Helka said. "You know the rules. No one is to come in the house. You are not to speak to anyone. You are not to leave the house unless you are tending the garden or stable. And you are to keep that gun close to you at all times."
Elina nodded as she slipped the small revolver into her garter belt.
"At least you know to defend yourself somewhat..." Helka kissed Elina's forehead before letting Felix do the same once he came inside from packing the wagon.
"You take good care of the house while we're gone," Felix said sweetly.
"Yes, Papa."
"And..." Helka clapped her hands excitedly. "We might have a surprise for you when we come back!"
Before Elina could ask what she meant, her parents went out to the wagon and began to pull out, waving to her as they did so. Once they were out of sight, she got some food together and went to the shed where she found Tantanka. "I'm here," she called softly, staying by the doorway until he awoke.