The Boy who Sang for the Angels. James Cantelon

sometimes passed by the building site two or three times a day. There were no supermarkets in the 1700s, so you would walk down to the market as many times a day as you needed something for cooking or mending. Miriam was an outgoing person, whereas Carl was shy. He really wanted to talk to her, but he did nothing. His heart would race uncontrollably and his hands would sweat while Miriam demurely glanced and smiled at him as she walked by. She could see his discomfort and was secretly pleased. She knew that he liked her. And she enjoyed the discomfort she brought him, not because she wanted to hurt him but because it gave her a warm sense of desirability.

      After a week or so of these silent but powerful glances and smiles, Miriam decided to take action. This time when she walked by the building site she stopped, looked straight at Carl and said, “Hi, my name is Miriam. You’re new here. What is your name?”

      Carl looked at her in total astonishment and embarrassment. He stammered for a moment but finally stuttered out, “My name is Carl. I’m a stonemason. Well, I guess you know that. I’m from Lodz.” Then he looked away, the conversation over. Miriam didn’t push it.

      Chapter Three

      Miriam and Carl’s relationship began with casual conversations and unplanned—or so they said—meetings. Some days as Miriam walked by the construction site Carl would not be there. She would carry on to the market and to her surprise discover him buying a bit of food for lunch. Or he would be there with a few of his workmates, buying some building materials. Every time they would find each other and enter into conversation. These talks happened so frequently that eventually Carl became comfortable in her presence and actually got to the point where he suggested they have a picnic on the weekend. Miriam of course was thrilled. And so was Carl.

      It was a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and birds were singing in the trees. Carl and Miriam set out midmorning with a basket of food and drink to a beautiful spot just outside the village where the river had formed a small pool. There were some alder trees on the bank that provided shade and a beguiling pastoral atmosphere. The whole scene was bathed in romance.

      With full hearts they sat and talked about their lives. Miriam talked about her life with Martin and Hilda. Carl was fascinated by her story. He was amazed that she was as happy as she was. He commented that he wasn’t sure he could have ever overcome not knowing who his parents were. He asked how long it had taken before Martin and Hilda had told Miriam about her adopted status. Didn’t she ever feel rejection? Did she not feel that there