Hannah’s Honest Heart, Part 3 of 3

During breakfast the next morning, Hannah told her parents that she had not seen Mrs. Harper for a while and wanted to check on her. Furtively, her parents glanced at each other. Hazel said, “That would be so nice, Hannah. Enjoy your visit, but don’t stay too long.” Bundling against the cold, Hannah zipped up her coat and stuffed the blue purse inside. Walking down the country road, she vowed to tell the truth--no matter how painful it would be--hoping her friend would forgive her.

When she knocked, the person who opened the door was unrecognizable. Mrs. Harper seemed to have shrunk. She was bent, leaning on a cane, and spoke in a broken, weak voice. Still, some of the old, happy glow returned to her eyes as she embraced the little girl and invited her in.

Squaring her shoulders and looking at the old lady, Hannah said, “I have a confession to make. I was upstairs and heard part of what was said when you came to our house to ask Dad if he had found your purse in the orchard. I should have returned it when I found it, but I wanted to use the money to buy a bicycle. I’m so ashamed of myself, so sorry. Please forgive me.”

With tears streaming down her face, she reached inside her coat and gave her friend the purse. Mrs. Harper threw her arms around the little girl and said, “Of course I forgive you. You did the right thing — you followed your heart. Always keep honesty in your heart, and let it be your guide, Hannah.” Drying the girl’s eyes, she gave her a neatly wrapped box containing jars of jelly and jam and hobbled slowly with her to the door.

“Goodbye, Hannah,” she said. “I love you and hope you have a very merry Christmas.” Hannah took a long look at her friend, waved, and turned toward home. She never saw Mrs. Harper again. The old lady died in her sleep that very night. Still, it was a merry Christmas. Hannah awoke to find the bicycle waiting for her beneath the tree. Before she died, Mrs. Harper had bought it for her. In the shopping basket lay the blue purse, with an envelope inside.

Lingering upon the memories, Dr. Hartley looked at the envelope. With gentle hands that had healed so many ailing hearts, she opened the envelope and unfolded the note it contained. The words were faded but still legible. 

“Hannah, you helped me remember the real meaning of Christmas. I hope I did the same for you. Great courage was needed to be honest with your parents and me, but even more courage to be honest with yourself. As you make your way through life, you will find that there is no better guide than honesty. With all my love, Hattie Harper.”

For the rest of her life, Hannah, the heart surgeon, was thankful for what she never failed to obey: Hannah’s honest heart.

NOTE: Jimmy Reed is a retired college professor and author of several books. This story is from his latest, a children’s book entitled FROM A TO Z, TO YOU FROM ME. Each story in the book maximizes the use of an alphabetical letter, enhanced by alliteration and assonance. The book is available on Amazon, or can be purchased directly from the author. His email address is jimmycecilreedjr@gmail.com.