When the Stoltzfus barn burned for the third time, Jacob was 78. He stood watching. Didn't cry (after three times you don't). Didn't curse (not once in 78 years). Just stood.
Miriam brought tea. 'Tomorrow?' 'Tomorrow.'
Tomorrow — 40 people. Young ones (grandchildren of those who built the first). Jacob sat on the porch. Didn't build (78, knees). Watched. Cat (Moses the Third) sat beside him. Also watched.
By evening — a barn. The fourth. Same spot. Jacob walked inside. Smelled of fresh wood. Like the first. Like the second. Like the third. Like the fifth will (if God decides).