Read Online A Shining Light by Judith Miller - Free Book Online

forth in slow motion. “You said I could go outside, but you didn’t say I had to stay in the yard.”
    Fearing I might faint, I leaned against the doorjamb. Until that moment, I’d been unwilling to acknowledge my deepest fears. If something had happened to Lukas, I would never be able to forgive myself.
    I inhaled a deep breath and turned a steely gaze on the tinsmith. “We have not met. I am Andrea Wilson, Lukas’s mother.”
    He nodded. “Ja, I know. I am Dirk Knefler, the tinsmith. I am—”
    Glowering, I interrupted him. “You, Brother Dirk, are irresponsible. I have been worried sick about my son. I thought he was playing in the yard but then discovered he was gone. Can you imagine the thoughts I had while searching for him?” I didn’t wait for an answer but continued to unleash all the fear and anger that welled in my chest.
    The three of them stared at me as though they’d been accosted by a lunatic, but I didn’t care. They all needed to understand the worry their actions had caused me.
    Lukas pointed to the worktable. “Brother Dirk is showing me how he uses these machines to make buckets, and big spoons, and even cookie cutters. I stayed away from the machines likehe told me.” He held out his hand and splayed his fingers. “See? I’m not hurt at all.”
    Dirk nodded. “The boy is fine. He wanted to see the machines, and I enjoyed having him here. I was teaching him some German words. Because I must do business with the outsiders, I have learned enough of your language to make myself understood. I thought it would be gut to help him with his German.”
    â€œThat isn’t the issue, Brother Dirk. You should have realized how worried I would be when I discovered my son was missing.”
    Dirk tapped Lukas on the shoulder and motioned that he should speak to his mother. “You have something to tell your Mutter?”
    Lukas looked at the floor and scuffed the toe of his shoe against the wooden floor. “I told him you knew I was here.”
    â€œWhat? You told Brother Dirk a lie? You know better, Lukas. Why would you do such a thing?”
    â€œAll the boys my age are in school, and you were busy working. I wanted to talk to someone. When Brother Dirk asked if I had your permission to come to the shop, I told him you knew I was here because I didn’t want to leave.” His lower lip quivered. “I like it here and Werner and Brother Dirk are nice to me.”
    I knelt down in front of my son. “I don’t doubt they are nice to you, but you should not tell lies. You owe Brother Dirk an apology.” I lightly grasped his shoulders and turned him toward the tinsmith.
    â€œI’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth.”
    Brother Dirk nodded. “I accept your apology, Lukas, but you must also promise that you will never again come here without your Mutter’s permission. Do I have your word?” The tinsmith extended his hand to the boy.
    Lukas shook Brother Dirk’s hand. “I promise.”
    As I stood up, I met Brother Dirk’s gaze. “And I owe you myapology, as well. Anyone who knows me will tell you that there are very few instances when I raise my voice in anger, but—”
    â€œYour apology is accepted, Sister. If this fine boy were mine, I would worry about him, too.” He squeezed Lukas’s shoulder. “And he is bright. Already he has learned some German words.”
    â€œAnd I’ve seen how they solder the buckets, too.” Lukas looked at me, his eyes shining with excitement. “Since you know where I am now, can I stay awhile longer?”
    Brother Dirk’s lips lifted in a half smile. “It is up to you. I am glad to have him here with us. He is not a bother, and until he begins going to school with the other children, he has little else to occupy his time.”
    I wasn’t certain Lukas would be going to school in West, so I