Graduation Day (Socks CCCXV)

Margreth remained in the container while the people went to supper with Dana. She remembered how Dana would mimic the cuckoo, only able to stand or walk by hanging on to the couch or coffee table. Dana would even harmonize with the clock occasionally, up to the day she left for college. Margreth missed Dana.
The next morning Margreth only heard Oma amd Opa's voices, but the phone rang twice. She could tell that Katherina was on the other end once, "Yes, we're awake," and Dana the next, "OK, see you in an hour."
Margreth wanted to see the graduation.

Arrival (Socks CCCXIV)

Margreth caught the conversation in the middle, "You'll have to wait until tomorrow, he had to work today, grading papers. He's a professor's assistant. "
"Let's get our luggage, and go to the hotel. We'll freshen up, and go to supper."
"Is there a good restaurant near the hotel?"
"Tons. Friends of ours opened a little place a few blocks from the hotel."
On the way to the hotel the conversation carried on about Dana's new job starting soon, the plans for the next days graduation, and the local sites.
"You guys freshen up, I'll be back in an hour."

Go West (Socks CCCXIII)

A few weeks later Elsebeth put two suitcases in the living room. Then she took Margreth down from the wall, and wrapping her in a soft cloth, she put the bundle in a small container.
It was hard to keep track of time, but Margreth could hear the four voices that she knew best talking. She found out that she would be carrion. She had heard this word once when DuMont had reported on Africa. She didn't want to be eaten by vultures.
There was much bustling and strange noises, and before she knew it, she could hear Dana's voice.

Sunday Call (Socks CCCXII)

On Sunday, after the usual weekly meal, Elsebeth remarked about the time and picked up the phone. She talked a short time, then handed the receiver to Wilhiem, who passed it over to Kathernia. She stayed on the phone so long, that the others went back into the kitchen. She became very serious, but soon began to smile, "Leave it to me to tell your father, he'll spout off at first, but..."
*
"I guess Oma knows him too."
Then Donald talked a short time and went into the kitchen, "She has a job offer already, she won't be moving back."

It's OK (Socks CCCXI)

"But, you must get married. My granddaughter will not be an unwed..."
*
"That was not funny."
*
"But the baby will be here."
*
"True, you could have a baby in the pictures, or a belly."
*
"Ok, honey, it will be our secret, but graduation is one month away. Everybody will see your belly then."
*
"You must tell them soon."
*
"Yes, we will call the same time this Sunday."
*
"Not to worry, your Papa will only rant for a little while."
The call soon ended, and Elsebeth spent the rest of the day humming and softly singing as she dusted and cooked.

Family Way (Socks CCCX)

In addition to the letters, there were the phone calls. Usually, the two couples would have a meal together at the house, afterward Elsebeth would dial the phone, talking first, each person would talk in turns. Margreth could tell by the conversation that they were talking to Dana.
Once the phone rang while only Elsebeth was home, "Hello."
*
"Oh Dana, how are you?"
*
"No, just me here."
*
"Ok, I'll listen."
*
"Oh no. What do you plan to do?"
*
"Of course you would keep it. I mean, do you plan to graduate?"
*
"Good. When are you due?"
*
"When is the wedding?"

Open Letters (Socks CCCIX)

Margreth saw Dana very little over the next few years, however the letters came at least once a week. Elsebeth would open each one, sit in the living room to read it, scribble a page or two, then put that one in an envelope and seal it.
The letter was left on the TV each time for the others to read. If the letter was left open Margreth could read one page, learning that Dana was stressing about finals, missing everybody, or wondering how deep Johnson was going to get in over there.
Dana also said, "The radio still works."