- Jacob Witting: She was too young, small, seventeen when Anna was born. It took two days. Terrible, terrible pain. The doctor said it was because she was so small. Said, maybe we shouldn't have anymore. I thought, three years, I needed a boy. Then she wasn't there. Wasn't curled beside me in bed and I couldn't stop long enough to... I had a newborn, Sarah, a three-year-old, a farm, crops, animals, the house, but she just
- [voice breaks]
- Jacob Witting: wasn't there. I, I couldn't stop long enough to, tell her good-bye, that I was sorry and that it was my fault. That I missed her, more than life itself.
- Anna Witting: [playfully] I thought when you were born, I said you were homely and plain. And you had terrible holler and a horrid smell.
- Caleb Witting: [sadly] And that it was my fault mama died the next morning?
- Anna Witting: [walks over to Caleb and hugs him] I never thought that Caleb. Never. I forgot to say good night to her, that's all I could think about.
- Sarah Wheaton: [during storm] Anna! Where's Seal? Do you know?
- Anna Witting: No.
- Sarah Wheaton: Oh!
- [looks away from Anna]
- Sarah Wheaton: I never should've brought her! I never should've come here!
- [turns back to Anna]
- Sarah Wheaton: I didn't mean that!
- Anna Witting: Yes, you did! I saw the train ticket in the stand beside your bed! You never meant to stay!
- Sarah Wheaton: Oh!
- [begins crying]
- Caleb Witting: What color is the sea when it storms?
- Sarah Wheaton: Blue and gray and green.
- Caleb Witting: Now I know what's missing from your drawing. Colors. Colors of the sea, blue and gray and green.
- Caleb Witting: Seal was worried. The house is too small, we thought, and I am loud and pesky.
- Anna Witting: We thought you might be leaving us because you miss the sea.
- Sarah Wheaton: Well, I'll always miss my old home, but the truth of it is, I'd miss you more.
- Anna Witting: [reading Jacob's advertisement] "Needed: A kind woman to share a life with a widower and his two young children. To make a difference. No picture necessary."
- Caleb Witting: [after dancing with Sarah] Papa! Jess took Sarah away!
- Jacob Witting: It's called cutting in, Caleb.
- Caleb Witting: You cut in! Take Sarah back!
- Caleb Witting: What colors are seen in storms?
- Sarah Wheaton: Blue and gray and green. Why?
- Caleb Witting: Now I know what's missing from your drawing.
- Sarah Wheaton: What do you mean?
- Caleb Witting: Colors. Colors of our sea. Blue and gray and green.
- Jacob Witting: I expect... I expect you might feel lonely here.
- Sarah Wheaton: Anyplace can be lonely.
- Caleb Witting: We thought you might be leaving us because you missed the sea.
- Sarah Wheaton: Well, I'll always miss my old home, but the truth of it is I'd miss you more.
- Jacob Witting: The sheep have got to be out. They've got to eat! This happens! You can't let yourself get attached.
- Caleb Witting: Do you remember Mama's songs, Anna?
- Anna Witting: Kind of. Some of them.
- Caleb Witting: Maybe if you could remember her songs I could remember her, too.
- Jacob Witting: I have received an answer.
- [reads aloud]
- Jacob Witting: "Dear Mr. Jacob Witting: "I am Sarah Wheaton from Maine.
- [voice changes to Sarah]
- Jacob Witting: I am answering your advertisement. I live with an older brother William, who is about to be married. I have always loved to live by the sea, but at this time, I feel a move is necessary and the truth is, the sea is as far east as I can go. My choice, as you can see, is limited. This should not be taken as an insult. I am strong and I work hard and I'm willing to travel, but I am not mild-mannered. If you should still care to write, I would be interested in your children and about where you live and you. Very truly yours, Sarah Elizabeth Wheaton... . P.S.
- [voice changes back to Jacob]
- Jacob Witting: Do you have opinions on cats? I have one."
- Caleb Witting: Do you miss the sea a lot, Sarah?
- Sarah Wheaton: Yeah. Yeah, I do... but the land here rolls a little like the sea and when the wind ripples over the grass... it looks just like the wind on the sea.
- Sarah Wheaton: I'm used to rolling up my sleeves working alongside my brother, doing what needs to be done.
- Jacob Witting: And I'm used to having things done a certain way.
- Sarah Wheaton: And I'm not used to being told what to do.
- Jacob Witting: I see that. Our ways, perhaps, are different, but...
- Sarah Wheaton: Ways can change.
- Jacob Witting: Stubborn, aren't you?
- Sarah Wheaton: And you're not?
- Caleb Witting: And that it was my fault Mama died the next morning?
- Anna Witting: I never thought that, Caleb-- never. I forgot to say good night to her. That's all I could think about.
- Caleb Witting: And Papa didn't sing anymore?