"Mommy! Daddy!"
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWi8aZQ8gl
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8y9vsN6s3
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUQt5KTkqc
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.
Two 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89DphuDoDe
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmVI7vXel8
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp8zIRukps
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkBXLrQduJ
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zAXdfHiD2
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.
Sitting393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cxrG85GGK
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZBDoM0g6J
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFRU7r7Xo2
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURDCNFuhbR
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oGXKowrnH
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiejr7eXf2
sighed in content.
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BwGkIIBYE
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZCNQupjv7
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy5IweBAKz
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYIiiUt59d
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwmY60PV0q
they loved her for her uniqueness.
He beamed over at his oldest 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIYGcxV4Yk
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIoTdUqBQe
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMqLf1Fb6W
keep?"
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxXwgTIV8C
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb43e5g5Z7
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3XIWcqian
dumb one." She told the girl.
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgAH7ZmZIM
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf17dlMBAJ6
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQXqzGN46C
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCGg9AGbgQ
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRFFGauFJ2
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.
She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5de6qtrmb
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6RAnItSSk
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkEDwvrYLC
She reminded him.
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnrHVwn8sY
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVrQlCTOip
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjbRz38QXZ
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokBUH1UR1T
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."393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UdIQE6x03
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9aGC62Vn3
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqQzrDvg0a
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGNxxt4vZd
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.
After393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOtIKnb5sG
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtuNZGEkN1
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibSd67OvV2
collarbone softly.
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGt8RU4dnj
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZMSJvDIzZ
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX1NGK5hQx
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE7QfJwg4L
hair. "Later, lover boy."
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOUMkk0qoD
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9O4bY9bP1
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr10Qq83XRf
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.
As he stood at the old 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHad1lgtd1A
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4YnHSh4BH
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pe4LMPtkh
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BZpUrXsb2
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.
Justin393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqU587RtHN
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0zUdpYpoe
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoSEvuIjzt
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaRDOAX8kf
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAnOyj6014
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0STjSbkVbI
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhfCySRKjB
different though.
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y4JpUh4SC
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rgyvjzlWx
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuNDcoJCXb
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhThCwPtTE
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwoGyAk9DP
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mrlbQjGnS
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURgJVF7qc9
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGon7nqXPgJ
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.
Ida 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg4JjpzPdv
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqAFOv4hJs
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE3q46Woeo
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkggtFthJOB
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZA10JCH3G
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCa6NNIt6C
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ6C2aYRCV
light kisses on their foreheads.
The girls each giggled and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZdkpHFVvl
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4lU3x93M4
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTObQbVx1BL
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtvS6MMJB3
went back to making breakfast.
Mary came in, not long later, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHQzbsKO0Z
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtozzrA996Y
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKofVcTgsp
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDRIBqxGpy
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.
That's393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCueDZcONXG
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdM2lIQ7m5
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFv88z0RnP
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6bT5jCM6N
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkCNDutcF0
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5VoKmWIyR
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK175tgSpjr
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxI8H9Yf4a
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.
She393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6UOa1Tk8g
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkmsLQIrXd
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhZo2WvVuC
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLc6LM3NdY
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjWrBd0Hfw
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2AEoX074l
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2pvtBgnjT
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85f5ETJLIY
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw3uiMPu02
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVVbvfFDOK
months.
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfATIWpjEj
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXfBS9qIgd
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog8DIE4VFm
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVJIcxVp7q
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW7CHRYbyC
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYd5DzsTiI
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX61DpQXGq
shortage.
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiLYPRBGra
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWjm8a93bj
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1uTtr26jM
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPVuKBIypM
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsurqwp97X
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmsPbRPlII
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKoDdQBcvm
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp5ZDvjnBd
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8nyqHLXMp
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDWwihukgK
the daughters he'd raised.
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8JflU55x0
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYN69M08Xi
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwYNwz6ppa
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx53ILAM7U
olds.
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjp78U94OJ
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bHotGdeAU
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmk4vPf2AI
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK5QTOt6Rr
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSKgZfHR6v
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5WcnLgAxr
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.
Mary,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDlpfpWAi0
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRKCSAsg53
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPukNab9LjZ
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXUDCYN90O
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w7KpGd2K3
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94BiAIUBkY
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.
As 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5eMt0Okzc
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScikcbbucb
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDpKgNALLe
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncYbRoaPvW
broad, loving smile.
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBiRGQDXMM
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOAzfWuV2R
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthqYnofBQH
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uD3155jzL
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.
She393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFRU3V0YUD
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vw1coG7RU
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKp9OpZqsf
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"
"She's393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS76jbWb4JE
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeHwy3xJU6
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjI9rTeWhL
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCMgB11p0U
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oXrv4mL9B
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIohpXAaczl
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUOAggwDva
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgNVPumyOG
understand one day.
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPzyCcFNov
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZbeHQ74KB
in the small family room.
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.
He393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4JhuJRSmI
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNRyFgLk97
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvALRiju8E
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJlAl7F5ci
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQWqsoY6FS
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqurVezlnm
soft cheek.
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDg7JFGunB
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z3rwIAUQ3
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PnMLPhhtZ
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhxGGIiKtw
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWbRaXtbAn
saddle.
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I7GRTWhxW
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNMIcLLAd5
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52PLEkYDM2
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiyahzXW1v
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo1I5DCtlH
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.
As they rose 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXiT9SodeK
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvAxG2Gjv0
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtgLU0YgeN
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx40A6Q2Rf
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVZPaPQQO2
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qfgA1bHfs
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NSgGxcOuI
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh1EhzyP6t
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.
She fit into this 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZaOyInw5b
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH0KKBIfUl
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uVDs6geuV
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFakUB8oFCL
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrxEBrVDna
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvyhdYHy9U
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj3OQZUeqk
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W7GFkfoQh
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nq16MpjBz
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.
She 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31vUUCm89O
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvMe162fkX
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVvTSU32ub
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSuzilXG26
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPckMbBgqOd
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XFTX2416R
Mary already knew what that was like.
Her father had been a drunk 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNpAiqw3JI
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvWzGqPNY9
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlAF5AmYy0
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ClYCJB4oy
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPsitWOIi9
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.
Her393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb3ZoEDODb
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtq9ukCF4p
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw01UuKAS08
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscEo2vmvlG
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡummkRIjOQK
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJsuXJazBa
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCXlRSVqq6
working anywhere else but in the house.
Being thrown, so suddenly,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEpwiI0lbK
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHlsCGcPgj
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqAuflKey9
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCoZILEs0q
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ2o99L2TA
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqBsibMnhr
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n2BLvMxS3
both of them.
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vWKt35w4m
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcFfaPKzgd
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGluPwFlA6
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx36NLjFhk
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ0aAdpAmF
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61sg71TmPt
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL6GGtOPea
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA4ww8xBJU
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXCZPqHPNt
tools necessary to survive.
He had just started teaching Ethel, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCufmVwg3r
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30fghnhm3b
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIZ4wjZU2v
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rMlVW1GVz
a lot of things.
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1BXHKwWYk
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ4bBo2JKE
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnSpSBwr1Q
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh17csAEnlX
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHeYmH0ov0
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40ue9BGok4
short of amazing.
They returned at dusk, having had a most 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcPc49WT3b
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ER39ewPR
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVar0ShIWmL
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtpR9wEYCC
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe4j0Vi1Ab
She obediently did as she was told.
As Mary neared him, he was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWaUve28LC
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEAbnmQNXq
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBJhIopKVd
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XyPyIazRP
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHL6rueEVO
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaikEDSQje
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGPiVfgMsY
twice.
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQKD3GseN1
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmM9yLsO1n
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRZoSV5CQ9
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNdAl2VHT2
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.
He393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhYFmXBLfZ
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb80bQzKx7
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5qe2bZowz
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCDizOiFP0
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl2Hw1qdop
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq0BQdgxML
words were clear as day.
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."
She393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUrcYuU6An
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcyzYHgg32
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aVTZUXx5I
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6HXyZLkq
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViXmgeuyzU
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygSA0S7lR3
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV1JQ2ck1u
ever before, stroking her soft hair.
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.
He393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhLmLb2GZn
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlKSp2CuS7
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmgQzh5ubV
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.
Going inside, they 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RrzgZgGw4
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSMjYaEYB2
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTQTZdo6fD
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP7apIiLCm
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.
"Ida, Ethel…you two know393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v8T5WFGYE
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX58k4Dv8wY
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQx58oYttx
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1emVi4rRZ
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzFWTmrPuN
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhaELC4kqI
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkmKaRMyTe
mommy."
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsPsOrSMCa
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz2ZMdWMQT
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.
He blinked393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNN13lsr9T
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTKquNuBGE
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXEF328hz6
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx04EkLFCvz
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh12i0eRnJ
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN34GM3Mvu
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0YTJHF30a
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE4RBD8dqq
are you thinking, darling?"
She was expressionless. It was like 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCelH4UfEKS
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF9J547KEw
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowryEOYtDo
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.
He couldn't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZruMtkN59
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SRL8SfqeZ
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjociqtL4y1
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuILU8IUCo
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmRzSL4cD4
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSALHJ0qEat
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJNH8IPjW4
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxclVa7IOLL
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBU5togppu
His own daughter.
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NJ0qxFSqs
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZDwwJCmha
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOhgNHDCnh
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVqAuKzPTy
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfgGhtZ8CF
choice; he was going.
That night, after all the girls were fed and393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3gGpr5PDg
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oCt7GBNJr
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrPWyF0D6H
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Hs9JdzWY
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JhqNCbYPt
slid his hands down to hold her hips.
It didn't take long to strip393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj72Pl2JFye
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJeAkAL7ss
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tG4f18cn
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjyYbw0fmB
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FIOZkcILk
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.
When393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKzhcB8sbK
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAGdws1qNr
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR55d2sUgEH
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.
He 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V70dT3H6Z
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW2lv2uPyM
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxFa7SVi40
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdztem40cjt
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.
Afterwards, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP4Vbvz29X
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg03AFreiuO
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN356rtEYSI
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS5zu4g8EB
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.
The393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOU0kFpNsp
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZbxILfaTQ
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAqPN0Bn9U
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZaWsPVMNk
bundled up and went out to see him off.
It didn't take him long to393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl14umymdX
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujbHN23wS3
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCPVSK4B4G
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFH7cisTvh
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjL0XnvqDl
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBnl9Rio3J
how was he not to cry?
When all was ready, he turned to his small,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUsOa5NhDB
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrV3GQtzpP
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Jbob4oul
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.
Licking393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6saXjBCz71
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfIW9GiUjG
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5af3I7iiJ
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoihICYFRS
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICOx4R7AL3
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCLJwKLBAM
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRdA2ZO5jq
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqLQTdIMXX
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.
His heart melted when he393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IgWhN6b5g
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmeq7oJcl2
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44vvPbKxUo
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7Qq4Scesz
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGmxCdTykS
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtObjWl8ljT
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1tI3JItik
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.
He took a sharp breath when393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ROwPzYzFZ
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwiIQU0O5G
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy14e9Y5O8p
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.
She nodded 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8LnnovQQp
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7C8nZIyxW
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."
He 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG163pxIuA
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iVtmFX1Ry
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xBmQ2jSkl
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcnSfdejOf
last time. I want to see my family happy together."
All too soon,393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL46zWOSl0
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iQB0iTn3Y
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t42QiKfUc
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in393Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf09J29kywe
that moment, had changed.
