Chapter 16 Another New Hope The doctor's stay turned out to be a wonderful time for everyone.
Grandfather enjoyed the company of an older gentleman to share stories and spend time with.
Heidi took great joy in showing her friend every corner of the mountain.
She finally had the chance to prove the beauty she had once only been able to talk about.
And the doctor.
He enjoyed the closeness of good friends and the fresh air and the freedom of the mountain.
Getting away from the city helped him forget his troubles and enjoy life again.
And so it was a sad day when he finally left.
Heidi's heart ached so badly that she sobbed and asked to go along.
No, no, dear child, the doctor said kindly.
You must stay or you will end up sick again.
But if I ever need someone to take care of me, you will be the first person I call.
May I do that?
Yes, Heidi answered.
I will come the first day you send for me.
I love you nearly as much as I love Grandfather.
And so the doctor waved goodbye and started on his way.
Heidi looked after him until he became a tiny speck in the distance.
As the doctor turned to look back at Heidi in the sunny mountain for the last time, he said to himself It is good to be up there, good for the body and the soul.
A man might learn how to be happy again here.
The rest of the autumn seemed to go slowly for Heidi, for she dearly missed her friend's company.
But finally the fresh snow came to the mountain.
Grandfather kept his word and moved Heidi and the goats down to Dorfli.
There was an old building near the church that had been abandoned for years.
Grandfather had worked through the autumn months to make it sound and tight.
"'Heidi was thrilled with her new home.
"'Living in Dorfli meant that she was able to go to school "'every morning and afternoon.
"'She worked hard in school "'and eagerly learned everything that was taught to her.
"'She hardly ever saw Peter there.
'He said the snow was too deep on the mountain to make it to school?
'but he always seemed to be able to make his way through the snow?
'to pay Heidi a visit once school was over'.
Heidi loved seeing Peter each night, but it made her more and more lonesome for Grandmother.
Each time she asked to go visit, Grandfather told her that the snow was too deep.
It wasn't until many winter days went by and the sun appeared again that Heidi was finally able to visit the old woman.
Heidi was surprised to find her in bed rather than in her corner.
"'Are you ill, Grandmother?'
Heidi asked quickly."
No, no, child, answered the old woman.
It is just the cold getting to me.
So you shall be well when it's warm again.
Yes, I do so want to get back to my spinning, grandmother said.
Heidi read to the old woman until it was dark.
She could actually see the peacefulness spreading over the old woman as she listened to the words of her hymns.
How soothing the verses were to her.
It didn't seem long, though, until Peter had to put the girl on the back of his sled to head home.
The two of them shot down the side of the mountain like two birds darting through the air.
When Heidi was lying in bed that night, an idea struck her that she could barely wait to share.
But it wasn't until Peter came the next day that she told him her thoughts.
You must learn to read, Peter, she told her friend.
I can read, he said.
Yes, but I mean really read, so that you can read to Grandmother.
You need to read the hymns.
The young girl stared into the boy's eyes.
I will teach you.
But why? he asked.
You can read them to her on your visits.
She needs to hear them every day, Peter.
They make her feel so much better.
That is a gift that you can give her.
I cannot be there for her the way you can.
The young boy put his head down like he was thinking his answer over.
I will learn if you can teach me, Peter said at last.
A smile spread over Heidi's face.
She knew in her heart that he would do just fine.
