Winners

(Contest #1)

Lizzy T – Strength for forgiveness

Darkness clouds my vision as I glare at a man. The man. The one who murdered my little sister. 
I do not feel grief over her passing. No, I am filled with thick, black, hatred. Hatred for the man that did this, who dares show his face to me after he killed my innocent little sister. 
How dare he take her away from me. How dare he silence her laugh, and squash her smile, and crush her golden ringlets under his truck like she didn’t matter.
I can’t believe my mother would just let him into our house, and sit him on our couch like he didn’t do that despicable thing. I hate her for it, too. 
“Get. Out.” I spit the words at him through clenched teeth. I can’t stand to see his face any longer. 
“Honey, hear him out.” My mother reaches for me, and I slap her hand away. I don’t want to be comforted. I want my sister back, and I want to be left alone. But I know that won’t happen until he goes away.
“Fine.” I hate him. I hate him so much. “I’ll give you one minute.”
He is squirming in his seat. Good. “U-um… P-please… I know how you must feel… Your sister is g-gone, and you were close.” Like he cares. “B-but please understand, I didn’t mean to-”
“Just shut up!!” I can’t take this anymore. “Don’t act like this was an accident!! Your truck didn’t drive itself!! You were the one drinking and driving!! You were were the one who ran the red light!! You were the one who hit her and killed her!!” I can’t see him anymore. My vision is too blurry. I can’t cry, though. I can’t! If I start, then I won’t be able to stop.
A sob slips through my lips. “You are the reason she is gone!! You are the reason I will never see her smile again!!” A tear slips down my face. “Don’t act like you understand how I feel!! It’s your fault, and I will always blame you!! Always!” My cheeks are wet now, and I know I have started crying. 
I crumple to the ground in a pathetic, heartbroken, heap. Tears stream down my face, and I don’t even try to stop them. It would be pointless anyway. 
I don’t know how long I sit there like that, but eventually, I hear a voice. A shocking voice. One that shouldn’t be there. 
  “Forgive him.”
I look up and gasp. “W-what?” I whisper. She shouldn’t be here. She’s supposed to be gone. She’s supposed to be dead. “Charlotte?” My sweet little sister stands a few feet away from me, looking like she did before the crash. There are no scars across her arms and face, her legs are not broken at odd angles, and there is no blood pooling around her stomach. She is perfect. Whole.
I reach my hand towards her, wanting to touch her, and hold her in my arms. But my hand slides through her body like she isn’t there, because she isn’t here. Not really.
“Forgive him, dear sister.” she says. “Don’t you want to become whole like me?”
Yes. I do. I want to become whole and fixed, not this broken, shattered mess I’m in. She seems to understand, and nods. 
  Then she says, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Remember that always.”
“Ok,” I sob. Then she is gone. 
I look at the man sitting across from me. In his eyes I see… Pain. Regret. Guilt. Sorrow. And something else I can’t place.
He sits up. “I need to explain” he begins. “And I will actually explain, not just try to make up excuses for myself.” He looks at me as if awaiting permission, and I nod. “Two weeks ago, I found out I was diagnosed with pancreas disease. It is an incurable illness, and the doctors gave me three months to live.” He gives a shaky sigh and looks down at his hands. “In my sorrow, I went to the nearest bar to drink my worries away. I thought I was sober enough to drive home, but I guess I wasn’t. I’m sorry.” Tears start to stream down his face. “I am so, so sorry. I know that all this probably doesn’t mean anything to you, and I am not going to ask you to forgive me because I know I don’t deserve it, but I want you to know that I am truly sorry. I have never regretted anything more in my life.”
Silence stretches for a few minutes. “Your right,” I mumble.
“W-what?”
“Your right,” I repeat, a little louder. “You don’t deserve forgiveness. From me, or anybody else. But you are also wrong because I do forgive you.” Once those four words left my mouth, I feel the heavy pressure that has weighed on me since my sister died disappear. “It’s not my place to judge you, I see that know. I forgive you. Charlotte would have wanted me to.”
The man sitting across from me, the one who killed my little sister, the one who I hated, the one whom I forgave, breaks down into a heap, sobbing. His shoulders shake as tears stream down his face.
“T-thank you. I-I-”
  “Don’t worry with words, Sir. I forgive you, and the Lord forgives you, too. That is all that matters, right?”
He nods and a small smile spreads across my face. Even though I forgave him, it will still be hard to live without Charlotte. But, as time goes on, I am sure it will get easier. After all, she will still be in our memories, and I will see her again someday when we walk on streets of gold.

(Contest #2)

Sara M – The Lost Coyote

Martha Meeker jumped up from her chair, what was that noise? She wondered, it came again, it was a high pitched cry of something. But what was it?  Martha had no clue. 

She figured it was coming from the woods so she went to the wood’s edge. She looked around carefully and saw nothing. Maybe it was nothing after all, Martha thought, she went back to her chair and picked up her book and started reading again. A few pages later it came again, Martha hurried over to the woods and took the trail in. She followed it aways and checked around. 

Martha nearly screamed when she heard that noise again, this time very close by! She looked around nervous, the woods had never scared her before! She saw movement in the brush, she took a step back and was ready to run, just in case.

Nothing came out of the bushes so Martha stepped closer and lifted up the edge of it. She saw a coyote with its paw in a trap. 

Martha wasn’t afraid, she wanted to be a vet someday so she was used to all kinds of animals. She figures the coyote was about five months old and was a female. Surprisingly though, the coyote was not afraid of her. She just sat there and watched Martha, Martha moved closer slowly, the coyote wagged her trail, “Hey girl, who are you?” Martha whispered.

The coyote shrugged to sit up but her paw was firmly stuck in the trap. Martha held her hand out and the coyote licked it, “You are very friendly.” she said.

The coyote whimpered softly, Martha could see her paw was hurt. She quickly found a strong stick and pried the jaws of the trap open. 

The coyote, which Martha had named Nancy, hopped out of it, licked her paw a few times and then looked up at Martha. “Hey girl,” Marth said, “let’s get you home.” she took off her sweater and wrapped it around the young coyote and picked her up. Nancy didn’t move, just closed her eyes and rested for the ride. Martha walked carefully back to her house and took her and laid her on the deck, “Mom!” she called, “Come here!”

Her mother came, “What’s up, Martha?” she saw the coyote, “Oh! Who’s this?”

“I have no clue, so I named her Nancy. Can you help me get her paw fixed?” 

“I sure can, Martha, bring her in.” They hurried next door to Martha’s parents’ vet office. She placed Nancy on the table and her mom started to check the pup out. 

About a half hour later Martha and her mom, carrying Nancy, came out of the office, “What will we do with her?” Martha asked.

“I don’t know, sweetie, let’s keep her inside for now.” The coyote had no fleas and was very healthy. They banaged her paw with some cotton fabric and wrapped it. Nancy was all set, but who was her owner?

Early the next morning Martha threw her covers off and jumped out of bed, she hurriedly  dressed and ran downstairs to check Nancy and see how she did overnight. The pup wagged her tail and and jumped on the edge of the box that she was in for the night. “Hey Nancy!” Martha exclaimed. 

She gave a wolf/yip in reply. Martha laughed and picked her up. She cuddled her and set her on the ground. “Stay near, I need to write a note to Mom where we are going.” before Martha fell asleep the night before she came up with a plan to find Nancy’s owner. She was too friendly to be wild! 

Martha wrote the note and grabbed a jacket, slid it on, and picked up Nancy again and headed outside, Martha walked down the sideways in their small town. It was early Sunday morning and it was very quiet out. Martha went to the drug store and put up a notice, “Found, young coyote. Very friendly. Contact -” and it had their phone number.

She put about eight signs up and went back home.

A few days later Nancy was settling in very well and Martha loved playing with her, they went for a walk down the sideway heading out of town, east. Martha passed a new house and stopped to look. “I wonder who lives here, Nancy, I never saw anyone here before.” Martha saw an older looking car in the driveway. “Let’s go say hi.” Martha knew it would be fine with her mom so she went up and knocked on the door. 

“Hello?” an older man, about in his 50s, opened the door.

“Hi! Welcome to Wellstown. I saw someone had moved in and I had to meet them. I am Martha, your next door neighbor.” Martha said.

“Nice to meet you, I an Richard Smith.” he looked down, “Who’s that?” at the sound of his voice Nancy spun in circles and jumped around. “Callie?” The man’s voice was filled with wonder. 

“You know her?” Martha was excited, “I found her in a trap and we’ve been looking for her owner since.”

“Callie! Its really her!” the man exclaimed , “I can’t believe it, I never thought I would see her again.”

“Is she yours?” Martha asked, 

“I believe so, she went missing four days ago, I had just moved in and then suddenly she was gone. I raise animals like that and release them back in the wild if they can be. I have a bunch of other animals like that too.”

“I’m so glad she’s yours! Nancy, I mean, Callie, was so friendly when we found her I was like, who is she really?” Martha handed over Callie. 

Richard took her in his arms and his face glowed, “Thanks so much for bringing her back.” he said.

“Not a problem, glad I could return her to you.” Martha knew Richard was her real owner since Callie was so happy seeing him. 

Callie was home again!

(Contest #3)

Faith H – A Cold Cup of Water

Ella bit her lip to keep from sighing in frustration.

Why? That one word had continually been appearing in her mind lately.

With a little huff, she turned down the school hall and made her way to her locker. Still running the question of why over in her mind, she didn’t notice her best friend come alongside her.

“Hey, Els!”

Ella jumped, startled, her face losing its consternation for a moment. “Addy, I didn’t see you there.”

Addison gave a lighthearted laugh. “What’s up? You look all upset.” She made an angry face.

Ella smirked.

Addy playfully pushed her and chuckled. “Seriously though, Els,” she said, using the nickname she called Ella, “what’s up?”

Ella slowed her step and sighed. “Well…” her words faltered and Addy seemed to understand.

“You didn’t make the team?” she asked gently. Ella nodded. “I’m sorry.” She paused. “It’s okay, Els. You’ll make it next season! I know you will.”

Ella stopped abruptly in the hall and let out a frustrated sigh. “What’s the point, Addy? I tried out for the team last year. I failed. Then I was foolish enough to get my hopes up again and what happens? I fail again! Why?! Soccer just isn’t for me. I guess I’m not as good at it as I thought I was.”

Addy was opening her mouth to respond when a small group of girls brushed past them, all wearing stuck-up expressions. The leading girl turned to face Ella as they passed and gave a crass smile.

“Good job for making the team, girly,” she sneered in a sickly pleasant tone. “Or maybe not a good job. Now, maybe, you’ll know your place. A servant.” The girls around her burst into giggles then they continued forward.

Ella groaned and slammed her palm into her forehead.

“Wait, you made the team?” Addy asked in confusion. “But I thought you said…”

“That was Stella, Addy,” Ella replied in an annoyed tone as she pushed forward. “You shouldn’t believe anything she says.” Addy ran to catch up.

“Okay, so you’re still not on the team,” Addy said slowly, still confused. “Wait, but she said you’d be a servant. What did she mean by that?”

“Well…” Ella stuttered. Focusing steadily forward, she tightened her grip on her backpack straps. “I guess I sort of made the team but…”

“Yes?”

“I’m gonna be,” she winced, “the water girl.”

_____

Addy stood leaning against the bleachers, arms crossed and knee cocked resting behind her as she watched Ella struggle to pull on a hoody with a grunt. It was a dark blue hoody with the soccer team’s name Conquerors written in bold white letters across the back. As Ella finished adjusting it, she looked up and met Addy’s look. Addy raised an eyebrow.

Ella held up her palms. “What?”

Addy frowned. “Ella,” she began, “you’ve been wanting to be a part of this girls’ soccer team for the last year and a half. Now you finally are. I’m expecting to see you jumping as high as the sky with happiness but instead,” she waved at her, “you’re moping about trying to get a hoody over your head.”

Ella plopped down onto the bleachers with a sigh. “I know,” she said, fiddling with her nails, “but I wanted to be a part of the team. Not the water girl.”

Addy came and sat beside her. “Els, I—”

“No, wait,” Ella interrupted her friend. She looked her in the eye. “I know I should be grateful. I’ve been praying to get on the team and now I am. But… I really should’ve declined the position and done something else,” she muttered. “What Stella said is true. Now I’m just a servant! And why should I be serving the likes of Stella?!” She palmed her forehead and groaned.

“What I’m wondering is why are you wearing a hoody of all things?!” Addy swiped at her forehead. “It’s hot!”

Ella glanced down at the hoody then back at Addy and rolled her eyes. “Seriously, what’s wrong with my brain today?” she laughed and pulled the hoody off again.

Addy shook her head with a smile and patted Ella’s hand who laughed again.

“May I suggest something?” Addy asked, clearing her throat.

“I always love to hear your opinion. But about my fashion choices or my soccer dilemma?” Ella asked with a smile.

Addy laughed.

The sound of a crowd of footsteps filled the air as the Conquerors and the opposing team filtered out into the field. This was the first game of the season and the bleachers were filling up quickly.

Ella caught sight of Stella and her smile disappeared. I really shouldn’t be angry at Stella though. I suppose she is pretty good at soccer; I just don’t like the idea of serving her anything! Especially something as refreshing as cold water.

The coach blew a shrill whistle and Ella, snapping to attention, sprang to her feet. “I’ve gotta go.”

“Wait!” Addy said quickly.

“What?” Ella glanced at the field and then back at Addy.

“Just this,” Addy nodded. “What you said a moment ago, about being a servant? Just remember, Els, that Jesus wants us actually to be a servant to each other. Even He the very true Son of God washed his disciple’s feet.” She gave an understanding look, “I— I know it’s hard to be a servant…especially to someone like Stella…but remember, that’s exactly what Jesus would want us to do. And besides! You have a chance to give something to someone who really wants it. A cup of cold water to sweaty and tired soccer players.” She ended with a smile.

Ella smiled back. “You know Addy, you have a way with words, but I still—”

The piercing whistle sounded again. Ella spun around to meet an annoyed look from the coach who stood next to where the team sat on the benches. Without losing another moment, she sped off toward the benches where she began passing out water to the team.

She grabbed a cup, filled it with water, and started to walk toward a girl near the end of the bench to hand her it. Suddenly one of the players stuck out her foot and Ella, who didn’t see it, went sprawling face-first onto the ground and landed in an awkward heap. The team burst out laughing.

Ella rose to her elbows just in time to see Stella bring her foot back behind her and throw her head back in laughter.

Ooh, Stella, you are so mean! Ella clenched her fists as the anger rose in her heart. Then she looked beyond the bench and caught Addy gMazing at her with a sad expression on her face. The anger in Ella quickly evaporated as she looked at her friend’s compassionate countenance. She breathed a little easier. All right then. For Addy’s sake. I won’t blow up at Stella, for Addy.

“Okay, team!” Stella cried, leaping to her feet. “Let’s win this!” The team exploded in an obnoxious cheer as they followed Stella excitedly onto the field.

Ella sighed. She stood up, brushed the dirt from her elbows, then went back to the small water table and began preparing more cups of water. When enough were filled she sat back and watched the soccer game.

It was a close one. Both teams were doing exceedingly well and were neck-to-neck in points. The Conquerors were ahead, but just barely. Ella couldn’t help watching Stella in wonder. She was playing marvelously well and with smooth ease.

Tensions rose and onlookers sat on the edge of their seats. This was the game point. Stella dashed for the ball but an opposing team member quickly sent it flying with a powerful kick. Ella kept her eyes on the ball as it almost scored until the goalkeeper blocked it at the last possible moment. The ball found its way back to Stella. There was a sudden opening and she saw it.

To Ella, the moments seemed to be passing in slow motion. If Stella scored this point, the Conquerors would win the game. If not, they would lose.

Stella swallowed determinedly and, giving all the power she had, she wound up her leg to prepare for a powerful kick. All of a sudden, the ankle she was putting all her weight on slipped and the leg she was trying to kick with flew in the opposite direction, flipping her onto her back. She groaned as the ball slipped out of her reach and flew toward a player from the opposing team. The opposing team player immediately saw her chance amid the confusion and seized it.

A single, perfectly aimed kick and the ball sped toward the net. The goalkeeper’s eyes opened wide and she jumped to block the ball but was a fraction of a second late. Ella watched in disappointment as the ball struck the net and scored. The opposing soccer team burst into wild cheers.

Stella stood up and limped miserably to the benches. She looked up and the moment she saw Ella a regretful look passed over her face. Ella quickly turned away. Anger began to simmer again as she remembered all the times Stella had plainly mocked and embarrassed her in front of others. Gritting her teeth, Ella determined she would use her position as ‘water girl’ to her advantage.

If she doesn’t apologize then I won’t give her water. A stab of guilt pierced her heart as the thought entered her mind.

Stella plopped down onto the benches with a groan and began rubbing her ankle. Sweat soaked her hair and back and she looked exhausted. She chanced a glance at Ella then looked away shamefully.

Ella tried to stiffen but it was almost like she couldn’t. Suddenly the words Addy had told her earlier now echoed in her ears. Jesus wants us to be servants toward each other…now is your chance to give something to someone who really wants it. A cup of cold water to a sweaty and tired soccer player… that’s exactly what Jesus would want you to do.

Suddenly, and unexpected to Ella, compassion flooded her heart. Lord, please help me be a servant. For Your sake. I’ll serve Stella for YOU.

She reached for a cup of cold water and walked towards Stella. With a surrendering sigh and a final silent prayer, she held it out to her. Stella slowly looked up. Disbelief flew across her face.

“What are you doing?”

Ella smiled. “You look like you could use a cup of water.”

“But I thought you wouldn’t serve me water,” Stella said with a half-hearted smirk.

“I’ll admit I didn’t want to at first,” Ella began by looking at her feet but then stood straighter, “but then I remembered something a friend told me. Jesus would do just that, so I want to, too.”

“Even though—”

“Yes, even though…well, everything.” Ella rolled her eyes playfully and laughed. She held out the cup again. “Would you like a cup of water?”

Stella paused for a moment then a slow smile cracked her confused face. “Sure.”

“Well, I think the others do too,” Ella said jokingly as the soccer players poured in from the field, wet with weariness and sweat. Stella nodded.

Ella turned.

“Ella?” Stella plucked her sleeve and Ella turned back to face her.

“Yes?”

“Well,” Stella stammered. Then she took a breath. “Thanks, Ella. I…I appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Ella replied smiling, “And good job on the field. Even if you didn’t win, you came pretty close.”

“Thanks.” Stella nodded then went back to rubbing her sore ankle.

Ella turned and started handing out water to the thirsty soccer players, a weight lifted from her heart.

Thank you, Lord. She silently prayed. Thank you for showing me how to be a servant to others. Just then she caught Addy beaming at her from the bleachers and Ella couldn’t help the relieved grin that spread over her face. Oh, and, Lord? Thank you for Addy!

And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. -Matthew 10:42

(Contest #4)

Emily and Sara – Rounding Up Rolland

“Rolland!” Ruthie hollered watching the new appaloosa stallion gallop around in the corral. He won’t jump, will he? Ruth wondered. She ran towards the gate. 

But she was seconds too late. Rolland gave a running leap and cleared the fence, breaking the top railing. He stumbled but kept his footing and galloped on. “Rolland!” Ruth called again, . “Dad! Rolland got out, I’m going after him.” Ruth shouted and dashed for the barn.

“Right after you,” Dad answered.

Fetching Willow she threw a saddle on him, tightened it up, grabbed a lasso, and was out of the barn in less than two minutes. She passed Dad running towards the barn to tack up Chester on her way out. I’m going after Rolland, catch up if you can!” Ruth called as she raced out after the escaped appaloosa horse.

Ruth saw a small dust cloud chasing behind Rolland. He was headed to the West, towards the woods. 

Ruth spurred Willow after him. For a minute all she heard was her own heartbeat and the pounding of Willow’s hooves beneath her. 

I have to reach him in time. She glanced back to see Dad galloping up beside her. “Where’d he go, Ruthie?” Dad must’ve not seen Rolland turn in the bend up ahead.

“I think he’s heading for the woods,’ Ruth said, urging her horse faster. Her dad did the same.

“Let’s break up, we can’t let Rolland get to the hills. He’ll get away.” Dad said, “Who knows where he’ll go from there.” 

“Okay,” Ruth said, she rode North and Dad went South. She saw Rolland speeding ahead. His limp was more noticeable now. “Carlos!” She hollered, seeing a ranch hand galloping towards them. “Rolland got out, help us catch him?”

He nodded, spinning his horse after the runaway.

I gotta get Rolland. Ruth thought. This horse had cost a lot and they needed him if they wanted to get good quality horses. We’ll get him. No matter how long it takes. She promised herself. 

Her eyes widened, seeing Rolland dash for the South, towards one of the biggest ravines in the area. She galloped as fast as she could with Willow, knowing her horse was giving her best. 

A few minutes later, way ahead, she saw Rolland enter the woods. Willow slowed as if she knew she couldn’t go into the woods after him. “No, Willow. We’re gonna keep going,” Ruth said firmly. Her horse picked up her pace and they entered the woods. Just before going in Ruth saw her dad and Carlos continue on west. Surely they saw me go in the wooded area? Ruth wondered. Not having the time to ponder she slowed Willow to a trot since there was much debris everywhere. Not too far ahead she saw Rolland struggling through the brush. Wait… hold up. It shouldn’t be this hard for Rolland…

She trailed Rolland for a few hours in the woods, neither could go very fast. Willow was a small horse but it didn’t make much difference trying to go through the brush. Willow slowed as they came to a creek that ran through their property. 

A few years ago Ruth had named it “StreamSide.” She urged her to step over it and soon they were over to the other side. Up ahead she had lost Rolland. That horse can’t have gone far, she thought, her eyes skimming the woods in the dim light. 

In a few minutes, she had spotted Rolland a ways ahead of her. She hoped she could catch up to him before he was out of the woods. Then who knows where he would go. She probably wouldn’t be able to find him if he got into the hills. 

Riding a while longer Ruth halted Willow for a few minutes. Eyes searching for Rolland she saw him slow to a walk, then collapse to the ground. “Go, Willow!” She kicked her horse forward. Her horse whinnied and lifted her head but did as Ruth asked. She felt a change in stride and looked down. “Whoa.” She gently tugged Willow’s bridle and halted her. 

Sliding down she lifted Willow’s front hoof which seemed to be hurting her. A tiny rock had gotten embedded in it. Grabbing the hoof pick from Willow’s saddlebag, grateful she had one on hand, picked the rock from Willow’s hoof. “I’m done riding you for now, Willow” She patted Willow’s neck, hugging her quickly and giving a kiss on her nose. “You did great. Now, let’s walk and get Rolland.”

Only a few yards away did Rolland lay, sides heaving. “Rolland,” Ruth murmured, coming up beside the horse. His front leg was bleeding a little. He either injured it from jumping the fence or somewhere in the woods. 

Ruth knelt beside Rolland and rubbed his sweaty coat, soothing him before taking a closer look at his injury. When he had calmed down, she gently examined his leg before taking out some bandages from Willow’s saddlebags and bandaging the wound carefully. Rolland didn’t protest, as if he knew she was helping her. 

By the time she had finished the sky was nearly dark. The chilliness of the fall evening soon began to settle over the area. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it back before dark. I’m not even sure how far I am from the ranch. Ruth thought. 

Rolland already wore a halter so Ruth grabbed the lead rope from the saddlebags of Willow and clipped it to his halter just as he stood. Looking around at the gathering dusk she started back the way she came, leading the two horses. 

She wandered through the darkening woods, glancing back at the horses every now and then to check on them. It seemed like they walked for hours, but it probably wasn’t as long as Ruth had imagined. Soon she began to get tired, and she briefly considered just sleeping in the woods for the night instead of heading back to the ranch. She didn’t want to but if she had to…  

But I have to get Rolland back to Dad. He’ll know how to take care of him better than I do. She had to keep going and get back to the house. Dad and everyone else was probably worried about her getting lost or something.. If she slept here they might not sleep until they found her. 

She pressed on, trying to keep herself alert by counting the steps she took as they continued on through the dark. Thankfully, there was a little moonlight to see by. A few times Rolland stumbled, and she worried how his leg was fairing. 

The sounds of running water met her ears and perked her up. Wait…the creek! StreamSide! There were no other bodies of water near their land so it had to be it.  

She would be able to find her way back! She soon found the small stream and halted the horses for a minute and let them drink. Willow wasn’t limping anymore but Ruth didn’t want to ride her just in case. Though it would be nice… she chased away that thought and gently tugged Rolland’s rope once again. Willow was being perfect and following behind the two. 

After following the creek for aways Ruth came to an open field and immediately knew where she was. Looking to the East she saw the dim light of the ranch house. It was still miles away. I’ll rest just for a few minutes, Ruth thought. She loosely tied the horses to a nearby tree and leaned against a rock. Her eyes closed and she jerked them open. I can’t sleep. I can’t…yet…got to get home first…

She felt someone shaking her. “Ruthie! Wake up!” 

It must be a dream…

“Ruthie!” More shaking. 

“Is she okay?” It sounded like Carlo’s voice.

“She has to be…” Her dad’s frantic voice seemed to be close.

But I just want to sleep…

“Ruthie!” Her eyes shot open, everything snapping into focus. Dad was kneeling over her, concern etched all over his face. 

“Dad,” she murmured as he folded her into an embrace.

“Are you alright?” He asked, glancing over at the two ranch hands who were holding Rolland and Willow. 

“Yeah,” Ruth answered. “But Rolland! His leg was injured. Is he okay? Willow was hurt too.” 

“We’ll check them when we get back. Right now I want you home.” He smiled at her, helping her up off the ground. 

Ruth woke fully on the ride home, “Dad, what time is it?” She asked, turning behind her so her dad would hear. They were riding double on Chester. 

“Almost six-thirty, you were out there the whole night.” Her dad looked down at her fondly.

“Wow…” Ruth whispered. She couldn’t believe she had been out for so long. 

“But don’t worry about that, we’ll be home soon and then you can sleep. Your mom’s been so worried ‘bout you. She’ll be happy to know you’re alright.” 

Sure enough, when they arrived at the ranch Mom was sitting on the front porch and was up out of her seat before Ruth and the others had even dismounted. “Ruthie!” she called, running towards them.

Ruth slid off Chester and greeted her mom with a large hug. “Hi, Mom, I’m so glad to be back.”

“I am too.” Tears sparkled like diamonds in the corners of Mom’s eyes, “I was so worried. But I’m glad you’re back, sweetie.”