For the first time in years, she felt proud of what the Copper Pot had become.
It was no longer merely a kitchen where miners came to satisfy their hunger.
It was a place where people waited together when the mountain threatened to take someone they loved.
Near sunset, Elias emerged from the mine entrance.
His coat was covered in dust.
His face was exhausted.
And his hands trembled from hours of physical work.
He had not been injured seriously, but he needed rest.
Arthur Finch ordered several rescuers to rotate out while fresh workers continued.
Elias obeyed.
He didn't argue that he was too strong to become tired.
He understood the danger of exhausted judgment underground.
When he reached the Copper Pot, Loretta saw him through the window.
She rose so suddenly that the bench scraped against the floor.
"Elias!"
He entered.
She stared at his face.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then she whispered, "Thank God."
He looked at her.
His expression softened.
"I'm here."
She stepped closer.
Then stopped.
She wanted to embrace him.
But she didn't know whether he wanted that.
Elias seemed to understand.
He held out his arms.
"May I?"
Loretta nodded.
He embraced her carefully.
For several seconds, she rested her forehead against his chest.
Then she whispered, "I was frightened."
He closed his eyes.
"So was I."
She looked up.
He continued.
"Arthur's keeping the work safe as best he can. They're making progress."
Loretta nodded.
"Have they found Thomas and Daniel?"
Elias shook his head.
"Not yet."
Her expression fell.
He placed one hand gently over hers.
"They're still searching."
She nodded again.
Then she looked toward the stove.
"Sit. You need food."
Elias smiled faintly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Loretta prepared a bowl of broth and bread.
He ate slowly.
Then she brought clean water so he could wash the dust from his hands.
For several minutes, they said little.
Their silence was comfortable.
But beneath it lay the fear that other families were still waiting.
When Elias finished, he looked toward her.
"I saw what you've organized."
Loretta glanced around the cookhouse.
Several women were preparing fresh blankets.
Young men carried mugs toward the door.
A little girl slept beside her mother.
Loretta shrugged.
"People needed somewhere to go."
Elias looked directly at her.
"And you made one."
Her eyes filled.
For a moment, she couldn't speak.
Then he smiled.
"That's worth more than you know."