"Mommy! Daddy!"
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UtyysUaCR
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHIzB7SmKx
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY57ZEzwKea
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.
Two 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5XjZMIQlZ
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5p6nUO35R
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNfzJ2Fbt7
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvabUwyih1
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp7ippFrha
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.
Sitting375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXYzvWsI8K
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIBqp9RmMW
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9s6bhhKlw
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5I35AEisb
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO1SkHF3hF
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4yOZ0bd5k
sighed in content.
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqnlA5LXGm
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8ElTdB2Dt
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhkrROHeem
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ8KWQGIKJ
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nN9lwP3k8
they loved her for her uniqueness.
He beamed over at his oldest 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MMroumGQW
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeHysbylKP
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjLTemPJmf
keep?"
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAPUsU4Www
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazfX99KBsT
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4PU9S4HxK
dumb one." She told the girl.
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WWTCUuYab
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYwbrrqot1
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS5guk4Hnn
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYH95doEHn
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdiwR6JlVz
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.
She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdtg8X2If1
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxr1iAmtos
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSjXpUnNgz
She reminded him.
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3BjVDzE4f
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ508rqkXscz
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrbS7iggLZ
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf5r9i2NXP
get up and make something for these munchkins, dear?" He said to Mary.
She hummed. "I suppose we should. How bout you get it started, and I'll feed Sal?"
"Sure."375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64KiaqGoko
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspPCaLenTX
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q3leEP2yK
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehPbAPYpHt
ready?" He suggested to his daughters.
The girls ran out eagerly, their messy hair swooshing around them. Then they closed the bedroom door as they ran out.
After375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzp4bt1Zsq
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykL3wgiHLG
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGAK4TRMMz
collarbone softly.
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hgDt2KntO
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSLPnj4j30
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuv8G8V3E8
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiqUmo1XPE
hair. "Later, lover boy."
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzuE2OihSG
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6sKdO7lxK
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vVfCxDijP
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.
As he stood at the old 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRCyzbZvmV
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqwJDzgVCT
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevhvswPBi0
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJDkhZ7nlg
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.
Justin375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Ge8r6glX
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VfMsR8EP6
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mUp65azPW
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6C5DKFgDm
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHyonyk3IH
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ533arpHsZu
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBRipdbxDP
different though.
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78BSyAoMxU
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOVvKYUB2L
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8CJtsJIQ9
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BDnf9JMb3
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgL1b47AGm
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SfkImOVtE
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1GJwTrhwi
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1seuqb6Zf2
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.
Ida 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPScV9sNyLs
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gdqnn0Y86
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dDInHluUH
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YmOKdueVA
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnbMQTVgRi
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzsVNNjBBw
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MvCtAD1Jp
light kisses on their foreheads.
The girls each giggled and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rz36QMgEE
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz1I8LRNMb
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fDTqUawjR
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CP1ROeyak
went back to making breakfast.
Mary came in, not long later, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNO2n4a7QW
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqSWQWj97N
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6dHmQ2wCE
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvZVdnKfSj
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.
That's375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzASCSMBvz
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBObYp1Xfdg
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsqRNMLXNJ
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7CLfk8DXF
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfATRHxGkZ1
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehopo3WunB
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzThrfn1KtF
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsDaGB1vUP
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.
She375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxh3GTiHhi
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBagsoNE5X
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zoqZvv5uJ
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAsoU5DuYb
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MIuFkGuqm
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY0sLksBOb
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGWPuabk6n
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gw94T4HMB
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCRJn8GKfV
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwL7MqSc1i
months.
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRpmboyEJ7
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjsSXMtzQ7
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4KlWqneYh
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZielDF1gz6
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuseuGySJUw
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2e50KZeMU
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHVQ0FKfBd
shortage.
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJzfk70U7x
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr9m4O5KXn
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWyWRGzhWy
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezYpfzu1d3
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PCRjVUrNI
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvX4vqIFOr
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM441Ddb50
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93CxhDlrSY
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyyJf6s84U
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4I1MOwply
the daughters he'd raised.
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsViHu2XAkL
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiTUtVWqdE
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gSrgCxU1H
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgbUDbsScz
olds.
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt4OOORqrp
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOemOVaaVh
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nP3FF6aFm
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TgJt9BbMG
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTsubqcU7I
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgDAdK1ewu
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.
Mary,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTbhQaOWoQ
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrwJ1ildsK
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYKV6vuypk
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWc7eERX7b
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYwx9Bz72N
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7piZpUbMo
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.
As 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62PXo4uX22
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCNXcMICrr
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq3zfFFobe
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMp5WGvSYs
broad, loving smile.
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HtxQo7HHM
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPSyM7U9p7
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KKo7olHDg
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IwAduAyJE
pushed it back up.
"I wanna go, papa!" Ethel said hopefully, lifting her arms toward her father.
He chuckled and picked her up. "When you're a little older, sweetheart." He told her and kissed her brown head.
She375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlHO2Osv7R
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90ArVRJlKI
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPTbRJbGhE
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"
"She's375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDqKP1yMU7
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12qqOvTfsd
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z2Uuhsnmm
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPyIEnRFP8
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jvE3yEe64
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVjIKbN8go
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpivmwNBAwm
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNNogbd6kp
understand one day.
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKGl1BL2ZJ
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk0RqH3ejL
in the small family room.
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.
He375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlITqkEcOkK
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsLkDjIGnQ
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKVim7oRQc
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f78omRXeK
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPt4ED3XKw
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Gb6Lskn7
soft cheek.
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVlwKJRPgy
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivKKxmvkKX
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG3ob9Tp1G
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxkDahA7Mh
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWSglsWjTF
saddle.
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQFzoNPcqD
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIInTEmDTx
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlrfKxcRKq
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz8q9geVnU
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiZcxWyMqJ
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.
As they rose 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzULWFDXXu
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW75KfhNnB3
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw4rO7RoVh
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5D3e7ttWM
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAr9MaT9MW
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIzSo7j76f
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R9WchaL6y
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxH2EccrQv
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.
She fit into this 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhvsrquXLp
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRyKVf79l8
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd9mDzCQ4G
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V25OTV6EE
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR3mhcaq7b
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYtM29riiB
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o2CVaea1f
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PlB6t73lo
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpF8ZBp2CQ
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.
She 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukKmddqMW2
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfik3HYWFaH
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBtnUzOb6V
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp8g5xbboE
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfZ2FXQHvZ
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwHhRcDfN2
Mary already knew what that was like.
Her father had been a drunk 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjporB7Wtx
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX78EAdVCm
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXYVEToNea
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVDnvRMaLf
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTC4imttDh
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.
Her375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0Hyw2XJgK
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpNMn4Pgvp
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAZEuaoyi1
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxkolq9PBB
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SrdD890m0
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZTlzSMmyT
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMR7JdhTpB
working anywhere else but in the house.
Being thrown, so suddenly,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzzayJ03wQ
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81QZwJrTML
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5dsKKU9Nt
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h17CwoPP0
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkbELXH07D
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxzRvk073P
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JqnV8CzBF
both of them.
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAhTSwYdiA
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5eanK5zpz
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oWzNRUHum
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFQWry2UMz
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvyl7r3OX4
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVjJy6CALO
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAdn1wBoHb
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8ocSPGTOI
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkWG5Ddirf
tools necessary to survive.
He had just started teaching Ethel, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeImOfPvyG
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5C5DwgRDQ
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G8TFnXhmt
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAslmtE6sBV
a lot of things.
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy8NdjwLfI
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8no2lJXDE
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNY7bzlJ5l
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8F0eSQViC
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLZ1n9s3H6
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVAP7h1ATW
short of amazing.
They returned at dusk, having had a most 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAIf7yr0vA
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP3aS6Xiik
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZCVt4sGd3
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEKSDb86rV
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfgHAhOIQ2
She obediently did as she was told.
As Mary neared him, he was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvnayrSJCv
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQw2YxKz2h
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTaDIpBTg3
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaazhSMplh
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQl5XYycnM
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkNCEc7eDv
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kjjSV99iu
twice.
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv46ynxlgM5
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybUH3sqmNp
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlQhn9lcfM
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0nrZeZ04y
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.
He375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmPxM19v2b
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpdDK45jPi
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX6tIHQUWm
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVoLfisemR
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkS9Ao1YAC
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDNTcwgiev
words were clear as day.
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."
She375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBu11wKaMb
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMmokgEtQ7
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsLENQlPdu
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp9cC9W3Fo
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPGh2zqhSZ
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvEDct6Q3R
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9aFjvFwlL
ever before, stroking her soft hair.
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.
He375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVf2nLDkPt
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VtIFQ4iGm
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdgnEo5jif
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.
Going inside, they 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfQzMY7zd6
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hR1zl46Mg
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRejRjFXJJ
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfPYNlE1ik
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.
"Ida, Ethel…you two know375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpR7YRNSdK
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T9SCMfFjc
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU1j9eiYgl
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf4VOF2FXT
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8WA8hHDHj
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTso5I5chUE
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbPB9fqEVu
mommy."
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLECHuZLWYR
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZc5wS7xUO
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.
He blinked375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9oJMeM9wQ
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4GvJU9kJA
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELTapejED2
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CUhcv4kNx
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShIx589P7k
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbBYvUhkBb
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0qRdUjkwd
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7N0lt5Vfn
are you thinking, darling?"
She was expressionless. It was like 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPLMrhuS86
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSENJsXQ9n2
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAScNTsZc2
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.
He couldn't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1K2XuUR9U
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LTlvX3ItZ
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BEO5vPxJl
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQAYPcEarO
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAe0kupilD
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40nsr2vbUf
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGDnsJpvL8
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4AWB6LdDa
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ncgnWG4S5
His own daughter.
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd075hOYBq
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl0ZV2REvV
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cxOUCz235
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl5o6h04q3
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy1kwvS9ZI
choice; he was going.
That night, after all the girls were fed and375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTkSQrYpfp
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWrsHDzdpO
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUeFFfN17n
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQJ9Kv5lTq
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqtSiTXoSh
slid his hands down to hold her hips.
It didn't take long to strip375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rmUucmP8d
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjpT0jaPPO
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq33WL6jbKG
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjUnxM14mS
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpFi7ebzTk
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.
When375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxJ3BUkZl6
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRq4ACz812
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7j0IDQdrt
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.
He 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEjDcU9h1A
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT10HQ3GcfR
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2fGMTDv6n
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR31KPn7AO8
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.
Afterwards, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHc1Gvv6Sz
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6AIyYVNTD
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsKpBlHSFb
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkYDrESKah
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.
The375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIS42KaDHg
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZDvc1Lpwj
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAXNgvhE4O
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr0PvVG3cO
bundled up and went out to see him off.
It didn't take him long to375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZgKgJRtqr
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCd1OSTBz5
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkmXTK2RzZ
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMWdglkIyZ
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscp2MmUChb
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRwp761ym8
how was he not to cry?
When all was ready, he turned to his small,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEhM27hf4l
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGFV9Jsy7U
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdWnECXupr
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.
Licking375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtGDETGZWY
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsApvz4A1Ex
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWweswOgAot
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq0r3gpy6o
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJyIlyIsZv
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsnf6IkSRs
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFP9kPvN8q
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOoyUb2H3b
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.
His heart melted when he375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYFiMNzC5B
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5bWZp777x
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcx5nL4yF8
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59kuTWSLI5
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OhT0bNqbd
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSkbtvvEtH
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx2LBWbHc4
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.
He took a sharp breath when375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vgn3ljI89
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhpWj8SwNU
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9uyKlh80f
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.
She nodded 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAPavlQwVG
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh73FCboyf
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."
He 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYJIaJSObn
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxXbZIapgj
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo94oqxA2m
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsfWpZ7g6T
last time. I want to see my family happy together."
All too soon,375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkIYHrtsP3
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gC73yaHuC
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdfAEZ2PhM
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXauOkGZOm
that moment, had changed.
