The River

Amelia had lived on the river as long as she could remember. The home had been her great-grandfather’s before it was her grandfather’s and then eventually her father’s. Now it was hers, and the love she felt for it was immeasurable. There was a sentimentality in the home but also a depth of reassurance from the surging, winding river that ran along it, stretching to provide a serenity and sustenance for all who resided nearby.

The cabin’s furnishings were meager and many items had been passed down through the generations. There was a set of rocking chairs her great-grandfather had meticulously made once he’d arrived from Germany. He’d also built the kitchen table and hutch that held her great-grandmother’s blue and white dishes. Her great-grandfather’s carpentry skills had been passed down to his son, to her father, and to her, and she could, as a result, make a fine piece of furniture.

There were also the lovely patterned rugs that lay before the hearth and bed that her grandmother, who came from Scotland, had woven. The multi-colored quilt bed covering had been sewn by her mother, whom she dearly missed every day. Yes, the cabin and the winding river were both fervent reminders of everything and everyone dear to her.

Amelia sat this afternoon on the grassy hill along the river’s edge, a fishing pole in hand, intent on catching supper. Living alone, it didn’t require that she catch an abundance of fish. A couple of fish along with vegetables from the garden provided an excellent meal. She watched as the lazy water rippled across the stones. The water was too cold yet to stick her feet in it, but she could hardly wait until warmer weather when she could enjoy all the benefits of the river brought.

One hour later, three fish dangling from a line, Amelia made her way back home. Before she entered, she made quick work of cleaning the fish to prepare it for the frying pan inside. She also stopped for carrots and potatoes from the garden. Yes, it would be a fine supper, and she could already taste the wonderful food.

Once inside, Amelia placed the vegetables in a large pot of water on the old black stove. She would wait to fry up the fish until last since it wouldn’t take long to cook. She pulled out a loaf of homemade bread and sliced several pieces, placing them on a plate next to the butter and crabapple jam on the table.

It was 1933 and life was hard for many and had been for several years. Amelia was more than thankful she was able to sustain a living on her land and didn’t need to beg to make ends meet. As a woman alone, she was proud of her independence. Her parents had left this world, and she’d had no other relatives. However, she didn’t complain. With the bit of sewing she did for others in addition to the furniture she sold, she was able to tuck away enough money to buy necessities and seeds for the garden. Thus far, despite the Great Depression, she’d been able to manage.

She was just preparing her pan for the fish when there was a knock on her door. Quickly, she smoothed her hair and wiped her hands on her apron. Who could be at her door? It was likely someone on the road in search of food.

Opening the door, she found a man who looked to be in his thirties with a young girl no more than six years old by his side. Surprise etched across Amelia’s face.

“May I help you?”

The man took his worn hat from his head and held it against his chest as he held the young girl’s hand. “Evening, Mam. Could my daughter and I trouble you for a bit of water? We’ve been walking for a long while now.”

Amelia took note of the tired concern in the man’s green eyes and knew from where he stood that he could easily smell the aromas of food from her cabin. She looked down at the sad eyes of the little girl. Without hesitation, she answered the man’s question as she stepped back from the door’s threshold.

“Forgive my manners. Please come inside. I have fresh water and milk from which you are welcome to drink your fill. I’m preparing dinner, and there is more food than I alone can eat, so I’ll ask you to join me.”

The man’s eyes lightened with surprise as he looked at the young girl. She looked up expectantly, a timid look on her face, but one entreating her father to say ‘yes’.

“Mam, we’d be delighted, if you have enough to spare. My name is Jonathan and this is my daughter, Susie.”

“Hello, Jonathan and Susie. I’m Amelia. Yes, I have more than enough. Why just earlier I caught three fish as if I knew I’d have company!” Amelia gave the little girl a smile and was pleased when she smiled back, holding a doll with her free hand.

Assured her guests had cool drinks, Amelia quickly fried the fish and placed everything on the table with two extra place settings. It was a treat to be able to use her grandmother’s china. While she rarely got lonely, she did enjoy company.

As Amelia passed the bowls of food to Jonathan, she eyed Susie. No child should have to endure travels on the road without consistent shelter and food. Her heart broke for the little girl.

“So, Susie,” she said. “Do you like chocolate cake? I have a freshly baked cake waiting for someone to eat it. Would you like a slice after dinner?”

Surprised and excited, Susie nodded. She could not remember the last time she’d had anything sweet.

“How old might you be?” Amelia asked the little girl.

Susie looked at her father, and after he nodded, she timidly answered, “I’m six years old.”

“And who’s that?” Amelia pointed to the doll in Susie’s left hand.

“This is Cathy. She’s named after Momma,” Susie said, clutching the doll even tighter.

Johnathan smiled at Amelia. “My wife died four years ago, but Susie clings to her memory.”

Amelia nodded. "Well, you are both very pretty," she commented.

After several minutes, Amelia asked Jonathan, “Are you searching for work?”

“Yes, I pick up odd jobs wherever I can. Unfortunately, it means a moving often,” Jonathan said as he took a bite of his fish. “This is delicious. I can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s nothing. I had more than enough to spare. The river ensures that I eat regularly.”

Jonathan looked toward the window where he could see the river and smiled. “It’s a lovely spot,” he said. “Have you lived here long?”

“Yes, all my life.”

Jonathan nodded, continuing to eat in silence, making sure Susie’s cup of milk was replenished regularly knowing it might be the last cup she had for a while.

Amelia’s mind was moving in circles with ideas. She wanted to help this man and his young daughter.

“Tell me, Jonathan, have you ever done carpentry work?”

“Why actually, yes. While living in Boston, I was an apprentice for a furniture business. Why do you ask?”

Amelia tilted her head in thought. She didn’t know this man, but something in the pit of her stomach told to help him. And Amelia always tried to listen to what her gut told her.

“Well, I’m thinking….”

“Yes?” Jonathan stopped eating and looked questioningly at Amelia. Susie also stopped eating and looked expectantly at Amelia, as if sensing the seriousness of her next words.

“Well, you see, I make furniture – it’s something my father taught me. He was taught by his father who was taught by his father. Well, you know….” Amelia laughed.

Amelia was rambling. ‘Spit it out girl,’ her father used to always say to her.

“And?” It was apparent Jonathan was interested in whatever else Amelia might say.

“And well, I was thinking that with your experience, perhaps you and Susie could stay on and live in the shed behind the cabin. It’s little, but it has everything you’d need, including a stove and two small beds with heavy quilts. And I was thinking….”

Before she could say another word, Jonathan began eagerly shaking his head affirmatively. “I’ll do anything you need me to do, Mam,” he said, his eyes filling with a mixture of hope and the sheen of tears.

Amelia’s heart was touched, and she knew that following her instincts had been right. “Maybe between the two of us, we could eventually start our own furniture business – it’s something I've always dreamed of doing. It wouldn’t be much at first, but hopefully, whenever this depression ends, we’d have something upon which we could build. Until then, maybe you could help around the place with repairs and gardening. Between the garden and the river and the cow, we won’t go hungry, that’s for sure.” When Amelia got nervous, she tended to ramble endlessly, and as she realized she was doing just that, so she stopped speaking to allow the awestruck man seated beside her an opportunity to respond.

Amelia saw the amazement on Jonathan’s face as all thought of food was gone for the moment. She didn’t know he was wondering if she was an angel as he’d never expected more than a glass of water when he’d knocked on her door, but here he sat in front of a full table of food while being offered steady work and shelter. She saw tears form in his eyes and wondered if he would cry.

“I insist you call me Amelia, too,” Amelia said. “Especially if you accept my offer, and we’re to be partners.”

Jonathan reached across the table and covered Amelia’s hand with his. She immediately recognized the strength, warmth, and tenderness in the touch. His green eyes were full of emotion, and if was as if he did not trust himself to speak for a few minutes and simply nodded his head in full agreement instead.

At long last, he spoke, “Amelia, I accept your kind offer. Susie and I will be most comfortable in the shed, and I am happy to do whatever you need me to do until we can begin to make the furniture.”

Amelia smiled, reassured by the warmth in his touch and the light in his eyes. Looking at Susie, she asked, “Is that all right with you, Susie? And Cathy, of course? Would you like to stay here?”

Susie shook her head up and down repeatedly and leaned into her daddy’s side as her milk-stained smile grew. When she looked back up, she said, “And can we have fish and chocolate cake to eat every single day? Please.”

The seriousness of the moment was broken, and Amelia and Jonathan laughed. “Yes, Susie, we can definitely have fish. And I have a feeling that there’s more fish in that river than all three of us can ever eat!”

“Goodie!” Susie said.

Jonathan smiled and looked at Amelia again. “I don’t know how to thank you. Your kindness....”

“Hush now,” Amelia answered, slightly embarrassed. “I am delighted to have the company. And besides, one day, we shall be famous makers of furniture.”

And indeed, many years later, long after the Great Depression ended, Amelia and Jonathan joined not only in business but in life as man and wife. Their furniture business went on to be one of the most prominent and prosperous in the Highlands of North Carolina. And it all began in a small cabin along a long, winding river that gave so much to so many in a time of great need. And all because one strong, independent young woman followed her instincts, forging a bond of kindness and generosity where there was an immense need, creating a life of fulfillment for herself and two lonely, weary travelers.