19 Good-bye Until We Meet Again

CHAPTER 19 Good-bye Until We Meet Again Is it really you, dear child?" Grandmamma said as she approached the hut. "Your cheeks have grown round and rosy! Can that be you, Clara?" Grandmamma nearly ran toward the two girls sitting on the bench. "Why aren't you in your chair, Clara? You could fall from that..." Heidi and Clara looked at each other and then got up from the bench. The two children began walking toward the surprised

woman. "Clara! My Clara! You are walking!" Laughing and crying, Grandmamma ran to the girls, hugging first Clara and then Heidi. All at once she caught sight of Grandfather standing by the seat. She ran to him and gave the dear old man a hug. "How much I have to thank you for! This is all your doing! It happened because of your care." "And God's good sun and mountain air," he added, smiling. Clara explained how Grandfather had worked with her through the past weeks. She also described how Heidi had spent every minute of her day finding things for them to do. Clara was having the most wonderful time of her life. Grandmamma couldn't believe the changes that had taken place. They were still talking about them when they saw a figure coming

up the hill. It wasn't until he got closer that Clara realized who it was. "Papa!" she shouted, totally surprised to see him. Mr. Sesemann stopped suddenly, staring at the two children before him. All at once his eyes filled with tears. What memories arose in his heart. In his Clara's face he could see the woman he had married. Clara had always been too thin, but now she was healthy and looked just like her mother. Mr. Sesemann didn't know if he was awake or dreaming. "Don't you know me, Papa?" Clara called to him. She was bursting with happiness. "Am I so changed since you last saw me?" Mr. Sesemann ran to his child and clasped her in his arms. "Yes, you are indeed changed! How is it possible? Is it true what I see?" The delighted father stepped back to look at her again. He hoped that the sight of her wouldn't

disappear before his eyes. "Are you my little Clara? Really my little Clara?" he kept on saying. Grandmamma came up now, anxious to see her son. "You have given us quite a surprise in coming here, but I think we have given you a better one." Mr. Sesemann told them that he had gone home only to find that his mother and Clara had left for their visit to the mountain. He thought that it would be a wonderful idea to join them. He had met Peter along the way, and the boy had brought him up the mountain. How glad he was to be there. This was one of the best days of his life. His little girl was actually walking! The rest of the afternoon brought much happiness for everyone. Clara and her family wanted to show their thanks for all the kindness they had received. "Peter, you have shared your Heidi with us long enough," Grandmamma said. Peter had

felt ashamed earlier and told Grandfather and Grandmamma about the chair. When he explained how lonely he had been, they had forgiven him right away. After all, this miracle never would have happened had Clara still had her chair. "You need something pleasant to remember us by," Grandmamma said to the boy. "I know. We will give you money to spend each week." "For the rest of my life?" the boy asked quickly. "Yes, for the rest of your life," Grandmamma answered. Mr. Sesemann nodded in agreement and shook the boy's hand. Peter ran off leaping and jumping with joy. "Now, dear friend," Mr. Sesemann said to Grandfather, "you have given us a gift far greater than we can ever repay. Surely there must be something we can do for you?"

Grandfather thought for a moment. "I am growing old," he began. "I shall not be here much longer. I need to know that my Heidi will be cared for after I am gone." "That should not even be a worry, my friend," Mr. Sesemann answered. "I look upon the child as my own. We will never allow her to be left in anyone else's care." Grandfather smiled his thanks. "And what about you, Heidi? Is there anything you wish for?" Grandmamma asked. Heidi thought for a long time before she answered. "Yes," she said firmly. "I want to have my bed from Frankfurt sent to Grandmother. That way she won't have to lie with her head downhill and she will be warm enough on even the coldest nights." "How good of you to think of others," Grandmamma said with a hug. "Of course we can do that. And I shall like to meet this wonderful Grandmother."