They drove through the spring night, with only the sound of the horse's hooves and the buggy wheels crunching on the gravel road.
Why can
'
t I think of something to say?
Andy wondered. He was not comfortable with this strained silence between them.
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For want of anything better to talk about, Andy blurted out,
"Wie viel Kieh melkst du
(how many cows do you milk) ?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt foolish. What a thing to say!
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Aire, however, promptly answered, "Altogether we milk fifteen. I myself milk four. Do you like animals, Andy? I do."
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Her response to his silly question was so natural, and without making fun of him, that Andy felt at ease and risked talking some more.
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"Oh, I sure do like animals. They seem to understand me better than some people do. Ach, I bet you think I talk
dumm
(dumb)," he said rather lamely.
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"Not at all," Aire assured him. "Believe me, Andy, I know what it's like not to be accepted by some of the
Yunge
. Mom says not to let it bother me, but it's easier said than done."
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Here was someone experiencing what Andy was all too familiar with. The ice between them was broken, and for the first time in his life, Andy paid attention to a girl. The talk flowed better now as they shared and built up a layer of trust in each other.
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As they neared the Mast home, Aire spoke further of her feelings. "Andy, I've really enjoyed this evening, especially the ride home. Your sister seemed to play a trick on us, but I'd say it was a good trick." She laughed with a light trill.
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