"Mommy! Daddy!"
Justin quickly pulled out of his very heated 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImQr6Btrcy
kiss with Mary. Pulling the sheets up, he went to cover both of their 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0Vb65hvd1
naked bodies. After which, he laughed as he rolled off of Mary and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukiOhRw4sY
turned towards their door. "Come on in, girls!" He called.
Two 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjUNqEikyR
small girls ran in with the biggest smiles reaching their face. One was a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAIQDAcCPK
red-haired girl with blue eyes, the other a brown-haired girl with 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaMP2Z2yD0
violet eyes. The red-haired girl, Ida, was the oldest, at six years old,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwVAsrjTUq
and the blonde, Ethel, was three. In her arms, Ida carried a baby girl,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRJFpHCA4x
Sallie. Sallie was six months old and had black hair and green eyes.
Sitting361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmuWDpogA5
up a little on the bed, not letting the sheets fall past his hips, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqwrcYTXm6
Justin held his arms out and helped Ethel into the bed. Then he helped 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIIriii0F5
Ida, and took Sallie into his arms. "Good morning, sweethearts." He 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDoqrsaJTe
greeted them as he gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uN80cBjqv
Wrapping an arm around Mary, he held all four of his girls close and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ziECeIYMM
sighed in content.
"Are you going to take me riding today, daddy? 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvZ5S1S8VG
You promised me, last night, that you would." Ida asked excitedly. She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYrGaIeIp4
was a beautiful girl, and had even been deemed a much beautiful baby, as361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rn1V8fe6h
an infant. They had no clue where she got her red hair and blue eyes; 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgegJeicWsw
it was one mystery that they figured made her that much more unique. And361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtvci0xo06
they loved her for her uniqueness.
He beamed over at his oldest 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyMRSRakv2
and poked her nose playfully. "Well if I promised, don't you think I'd 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtRMXoNZXv
take you riding? Since when has your daddy ever made a promise he can't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5zYTVEaaX
keep?"
Mary chuckled and stroked Ida's hair with loving fingers. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8da9bxjR3H
"One of the many wonderful qualities about your father, Ida, is that he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgpLVBCY4J
has never made a promise that he cannot keep. He's a smart man, not a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RiCJ4nSzG
dumb one." She told the girl.
Justin scoffed teasingly. "Wow, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlbrSaHOX1
thank you for that backhanded compliment, love. Girls, I love your 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcCEtpsl7Z
mother with all my heart, but she is very good with giving compliments 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZktwcn3Qj
in backhanded ways." He saw the look on his wife's face and gulped 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUwOLNN2Hj
slightly. "I-I mean…uh…thank you very much, dear?" He suggested with a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhjQcD7uGC
crooked smile as though saying, please, just don't hurt me.
She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL0CRmtYqp
laughed outright and shook her head. "I wasn't going to punch you, Jus. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBZURVUGEk
And even if I wanted to, I still wouldn't; not while you have the baby."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3nMOK1T7T
She reminded him.
He sighed in relief and pressed his lips to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpXSvLpDL8
Sallie's head. "You saved your old man's hide, Sal." He said gratefully.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL5p8UUzYX
Then he looked back toward Ida, remembering their conversation before. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnYaNUOZfW
"We'll go out riding, after breakfast, Ida. Speaking of, whatcha say we 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0eN7GMebF
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."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYDQPJCH2q
He agreed. He was just about to get up, when he remembered the state he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDkwM8GEBw
and Mary were in. He blushed lightly, glaring at his wife's sly smile. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcaPdt4pXy
"Ida, Ethel, why don't you two go get dressed while mommy and daddy get 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFm6JZU3pU
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.
After361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopOEDoVAag
they were gone, Mary barked a laugh, while Juatin glared playfully at 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQgotuqE2t
her. "Oh shut up." He mumbled while leaning in and kissing her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP7ziMXl4p
collarbone softly.
But she swatted his head, making him pull back 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1TpHogpOT
and give her a confused look. "I have to feed the baby, and you need to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDXVnsJJdt
start breakfast for our other two girls." She reminded him with a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaYe079dYr
smiled. At his despondent face, she kissed him softly and ruffled his 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vNnJ6grhv
hair. "Later, lover boy."
He grinned slyly, stroking her arm with 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA90ILaqQkg
such softness. "I'll hold you to that, sweetheart." Then he rolled out 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaHJSrL0s8
of bed, albeit reluctantly, and went to dress. After which, he left to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzRX5sMqpA
head for the kitchen to make breakfast.
As he stood at the old 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfd5THPCeQ
stove, his two oldest daughter came bounding in, their long hair still a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR20oJCFek
mess and in need of help. He laughed as he put the spoon with which he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjTqOLj4EI
was using to make porridge down and knelt in front of them. "You girls 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UWl6odpAH
need me to do your hair?" He asked as he stroked each of their heads.
Justin361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9H1tTzxVL
and Mary had gotten married when they were fourteen and nineteen. There361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP52a5WUpd8
was no doubt in Justin's parents' mind that their son was in love, and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMBokGrjEE
that Mary was in love with him. Mary had fallen in love with him for 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Gxxo8hCGi
more than just his looks though. She'd found out, early on, that he was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3cUy18Qgn
able to cook and clean, unlike many of the suitors that had begged her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNptq3ZZvo
for her hand since her father's death, when she was twelve. Justin was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMwVReTJ3E
different though.
His ability to cook and clean made her one happy361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7MIOrh9qo
woman, when they married. And a year later they had Ida. As she began 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmECORfhmiA
to grow hair, and it grew longer, Mary was pleased to discover more of 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDNl7B87SR
her husband's hidden talents. He could do hair. He had offered to do 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57USdYUO7Y
hers on numerous occasions, but she had always insisted on doing it 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBGwrqaCUE
herself. But as Ida grew, and she was left tired, Justin had stepped in 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H8URfKOdo
to do whatever his daughter needed. He could dress her, change her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L0gHTBqWe
diapers, do her hair, everything. And now, he had two daughters to do 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70al7xcKED
that with; which they both loved when he did their hair.
Ida 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhxYFPPALg
nodded and held out two leather bands for him. Turning them around, he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhgZFdWzAe
used the wooden hair brush to gently pry out the nasty knots in their 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cejMNFkAD
beautiful hair. Then he but them into loose braids. After that, he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCvQZTjGor
grabbed some flowers that Mary always kept on the table, and put them 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXwyLzF9nY
into random spots of the braids. "There we go. There's my beautiful 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35LQi19y8S
girls." He said pridefully as he touched each of their cheeks and placed361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvUWGJrgqV
light kisses on their foreheads.
The girls each giggled and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneqVtIEKr1
kissed his cheek. "Thanks, daddy." They said unanimously. Picking up the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQhOW5nYEa
ends of their dresses, they raced to the table and climbed up on the 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPXv7mR0hF
chairs that were still to big for them. Justin helped them up and then 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MsHsHC7Qd
went back to making breakfast.
Mary came in, not long later, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKujugmIU6
Sallie in her arms, dressed in a thick dress to keep her from the bitter361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGUqaVoIbT
cold that threatened them during the winter months. Mary herself wore a361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0GifnySCV
simple, beat up, blue dress with an apron over top. Her hair was loose,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhZ257mSyq
with only parts of the front being pulled back into a small braid.
That's361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EWQgLATDD
when Justin set breakfast in front of everyone. They'd had nothing but 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTspLmb77a1
porridge for the past few weeks, but, unfortunately, that was all they 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69hsHW9A8j
could afford at the moment. Justin had lost his job at the sawmill 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqEm6UyIZk
several months ago, because of the impact of the war that had just 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhVYIIaa0x
started not even half a year ago. The Civil War, as they called it. They361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNOaCaYDW6
were at war with their own countrymen. It was sad to see it come to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOUkFmYLKK
this, and see the effects it cause. Because of it, Justin had lost his 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jD4Tqk8gI
job, and they had been reduced to nothing more than rations of food.
She361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXWagMKmnp
looked over at Justin with a soft, hopefully encouraging smile. She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqSSJH5HXJ
knew that losing his job had struck him right in the gut. His pride was,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQrvSofVdC
without a doubt, damaged. With great struggle, she had managed to get 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc44XSK9kv
him to admit that he felt like a failure as a husband and a father, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiedNUDE7LF
because he lost his job. He felt unable to provide for his own family; 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BTCMTGHMG
to him, that was something worse than death. All he wanted was to give 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpunuCSvxAC
his wife and young daughters a good home, good clothes, and good food. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTAiReBevT
Now, he couldn't even do that. It took its toll on him, and she could 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1oP1Qr51V
see it in the way he had started to age from the stress of the last few 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p39Uqc6RI
months.
They were doing all they could for the time being. She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9R8BEq42z
would eat little, but still a substantial amount so that she could 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbKhP2yJfJ
provide milk for Sallie, and he would hardly eat anything. He had 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4ysQ1umCs
started losing a significant amount of weight, which he and Mary could 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BnHj8h6P7
only hope the girls hadn't noticed. She had also lost a great deal 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTehrzyNEgd
amount of weight, but still not quite as much as him. Even their 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIAi6kLj8d
daughter, Ida and Ethel, had begun losing weight because of the food 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOgCIDA68Y
shortage.
He looked around at his family, as he always did at 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncm4110uzW
breakfast and dinner, and felt his heart break once more. His wife's 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaFUo8ss0B
face, while beautiful as he would always find her and know her to be, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDIfgqDQZi
was shallow, and dark bags lined under her eyes. She looked so…empty. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AnSuhpmCH
His daughters looked weaker than they once were. They used to be so 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3ojJnztDB
lively; and while they would still run around and play, they couldn't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1muYC6O4r
last as long as they once did. One of his favorite things to do, had 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7FI1kyKcT
been to watch his little girls run and play. They were like fairies, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNtqTxuweY
when they ran through the tall, summer grass. So beautiful. So 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0DFq9NhpE
enchanting. Now it seemed there was only a sliver of those girls left in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD8mCyXrhJ
the daughters he'd raised.
Then there was Sallie. She was smaller361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53PDGZCRx0
than most six month old babies. She'd been born at nine months, she 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D89kdi1vM
just wasn't getting the necessary nourishing most babies needed. She was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5YqBOGp8r
healthy, but looked so torn down compared to most, healthier, six month361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYZZwApm42
olds.
He hated seeing his family so broken up. As a man 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVg0COjdkm
especially, it hit him right where it hurts. His girls were the most 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ561Ie8JDHm
important treasures in his world, and taking care of them felt more like361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjKmLKu3vK
an honor than a duty. To have that honor suddenly taken, and to not be 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqvEPJEbe6
able to give his girls anything more than grits and moldy bread as 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqHXhJroox
meals, was about the cruelest thing for him. Now they were suffering, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PDdLlyjqH
and there was nothing her, or anyone else, could do about it.
Mary,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWV54SX598
seeing the heartbreak that was all but written on his face, reached 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgasZTl6MeI
across the table to take his hand in her own smaller one. With her eyes,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3Fp4hAO6l
she told him that it was alright. They were together. They had each 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBSDmCptl4
other. That was all that mattered. And she was right; he knew that. but 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aN4iFtjDG
deep in his heart, he couldn't help that feeling of letting them all 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9FbXjrt48
down, even though it hadn't been his fault that he was fired.
As 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGxDcYicgq
the family finished their breakfast in silence, Mary got up and cleared 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjtLIvk8gz
their pans. Meanwhile, Justin grabbed his hat and rifle and ruffled 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94arHrb41Z
little Ida's red hair. "You ready to go, half pint?" He asked with a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrbtJgM6il
broad, loving smile.
Ida jumped up excitedly and bounced on the 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r2vPR735x
balls of her feet. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" She squealed. A laugh slipped past 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWER4n3k8P
her lips when he placed another hat on her head as well. It was a bit 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUlAaBj576
too big, and fell slightly over her forehead. But she smiled wider and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF8PwrHjoU
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.
She361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbBxH45ryg
pouted, crossing her arms. And he couldn't get over how much she looked361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQUUd6PdPH
like Mary when she pouted. Other than those violet eyes, of course, she361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ910t0qB93J
was her mother's spitting image. "Why does Ida get to do everything?"
"She's361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBdcslPOfD
older, Ethel. I know it ain't fair, hon, but I promise that we'll go 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBTDL9iCSB
riding together when you're a little bit older. Alright?" He didn't like361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVi3zcpWI4
disappointing either of his older daughters – Sallie of course being 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dI55Rz5jZ
hard to displease because she was only six months old – but he also 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIDg646w5P
couldn't take major risks. He hadn't taken Ida out riding when she was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxjArrwhys
three, and he wouldn't do that with Ethel or Sallie either. And she 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqdBXEKCuf
might not have found it fair at the time, but he knew Ethel would 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mm6XpbNlw
understand one day.
She was still pouting, but nodded anyway. "Ok,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKi4f6Aft7
daddy." Kissing his cheek, she wiggled out of his arms and went to play361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTEQpIsIZy
in the small family room.
Mary came forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Be careful?" She whispered.
He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjmOq66D86
smiled and nodded. "Of course, darlin'. And I'll bring our daughter 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhUKrpreAb
back in one piece." He promised, making them both laugh. Then he leaned 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKAxL1GLqB
in and kissed her lips chastely. "I love you." He mumbled against her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYNUwMtjzW
lips. Then pulling away, he stooped down to scoop Ida up into his strong361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3XPF44Lqb
arms. "You ready to go, baby?" He asked, nudging his nose against her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruIVwk0DXN
soft cheek.
She giggled and kissed his cheek. That was answer 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0Flr847uD
enough for her father, as he turned for the door. A last look back, and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoabl50CGm
he left with Ida snug against him. Within minutes, he had his horse, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL6legpxZq
Bobbie, ready and saddled. Then he saddled Mary's horse, Mosey. Picking 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYnaHf0bhm
Ida back up, under her arms, he lifted her up and set her in Mosey's 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWeTiDSUhM
saddle.
Father and daughter spent hours riding the deserted plains361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dKCllAmZd
of Braiden, which was part of the Dakota Territory. For miles, there 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcb2wl8QIK
was nothing but sage brush and wild grass. The air was fresh, and clean.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SnoZKXdT6
To Justin, that was the best thing about living in the Dakota 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5nx0ZLVyQ
Territory, rather than the big cities. And he couldn't be any happier to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHEq68iHXA
be raising his own family in such a beautiful land.
As they rose 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5NkUrJ3Va
through the plain, over the hills, and through the tufts of rolling 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuBOlVC3I6
grass that danced with the wind, he watched his daughter with a proud 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR95ekgp21
smile. While she looked like no one in their family, he couldn't help 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgFQ1Jkxyb
but admire all of their qualities that fit into her. She was as close to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Ip83NWgM
perfect as one could ever be. While she made mistakes, she was quick to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyJc8NOsHE
try and make up and apologize for those mistakes. And she was quick to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWZqsojf48
forgive too. She never once held a grudge, and for that, everyone was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTlEFlv8dB
grateful. Being on her bad side was never fun.
She fit into this 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK40RdSaLw
life, better than most. This was the life she wanted. So many times, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjgEkNzxcN
since she was old enough to speak, she had crawled up into his lap and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5meQxtRZ0h
told him that she loved the life of the prairie. It's like living in a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ6PkMH5ER
fairy-tale, she would tell him. And she knew not only the magical parts 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIx6vur05s
of the prairie, but also the dangers of it. She knew the harshness the 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndm47IIYiN
winters could bring. She knew to watch for mountain lions, and rattle 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoV8NFs25r
snakes, and scorpions. She knew how to test whether a berry was safe to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfehMtYavp4
eat, or deadly poisonous. She knew it all, and still, she loved it. She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB8eoljJry
loved all te harsh realities that came with a beautiful land.
She 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgjdtNSl65
wasn't like all the other girls, he well knew. While other girls loved 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIsxffyBqB
dresses, or butterflies, she preferred to spend her time learning how to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqgJsejQb5
survive the rough life of the prairie. Justin and Mary had agreed, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCKup61S7E
before they even had children, that any daughters they had needed to be 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2e5ZaiOl4
taught how to handle themselves. They couldn't always depend on a man. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W1cxjnJu4
Mary already knew what that was like.
Her father had been a drunk 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaDtgpS3Mb
her whole life. Her mother was meek, and never spoke for herself. Being 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3310luqFC
raised mainly by her mother, Mary had been much the same, for years. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu0WTgOEvb
When her mother died, when she was seven, nothing changed. She remained 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Muy8KUMYZ
the quiet girl that never spoke up to her father. She could hardly take 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV79rtZ47ad
care of herself, and knew little to nothing about the wilderness.
Her361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXTTx1Kx6Y
father had never cared, though. He turned a blind eye as to Mary's 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLv4hI7GXl
well-being. The only times he would acknowledge her was to tell her to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wrbWaWA0Q
cook, or clean, or to mend his clothes. She was more of a slave to him, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq4FIiayQD
than a daughter. And when he finally drank himself to death, he left 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eCTauGi41
nothing behind for Mary to live a good life from. She didn't know how to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX1YQrdK1s
work the small farm she lived on; her father didn't believe in women 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDAEq2nWUN
working anywhere else but in the house.
Being thrown, so suddenly,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnRQ5G8OST
into the cruel world that she'd never had to think of before had a big 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH5L2ZnQMo
impact on Mary. Being only twelve years of age, she was nothing more 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XJnkpacmN
than a scared orphan that was terrified by the sudden new world. she had361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSjyVWCD8O
to teach herself the ropes. No one was there to guide her. And when she361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxsBV992uj
met and married Justin, she vehemently told him that she didn't want 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiUcpIovVn
her own daughters to go through that, should anything happen to one, or 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHK9eLXkfe
both of them.
He was quick to agree, telling her that he believed 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7uFaBQDXS
women should know the rules of the wild. He didn't think it fair to see 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqhPQ37dKz
women suddenly left on their own, when their husband, father or brother 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54hO0vrpBU
died, and having little to no clue on how to handle themselves. That was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImVikD7jhF
no life, for any woman. And he couldn't, as a father and a husband, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbn1NWh1nC
live himself in knowing that if he didn't leave behind those rules with 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx2RoTBjev
his women, something much worse could happen to them than if they did 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFNrTx93vH
know. And as a man that loved his family more than anything, he'd be 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz8BmXotFj
damned if he let anything happen to them because he didn't give them the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fHWcqdI0n
tools necessary to survive.
He had just started teaching Ethel, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSur4ZgTAos
as well. While she was a bit confused by the lessons, she knew that when361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkva7UQXGS7
her father was trying to teach her something important, it was for a 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSclJWpsH2i
good reason. She paid very close attention to him, as she often did with361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD4Qxn00Gg
a lot of things.
Now, watching Ida smiling with rosy cheeks, and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5oWg1iFhE
her loose hair drift with the cool winter's breeze, he couldn't help but361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO36adGNKf7
imagine her as she grew. He visioned a beautiful young girl, riding 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbJ8C5qbkc
merrily through the fields. A girl that didn't care what society had to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyhi8TijP1
say about her unorthodox upbringing. A girl that didn't need to depend 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bec6vVu6d
on a man to take care of her. A strong, able-minded girl. It was nothing361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjECSMIwh9
short of amazing.
They returned at dusk, having had a most 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYQah7MXUa
enjoyable time. He was just helping her off of Mosey, when he saw Mary 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynXWsFCLTD
walking towards them, a despondent look on her beautiful face. Frowning,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAuM9LWyTU
he crouched in front of Ida and adjusted her hat slightly. "Why don't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPeINHWQbS
you go on inside, Ida. Mommy and daddy will be in shortly." He told her.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcASYgp3F7
She obediently did as she was told.
As Mary neared him, he was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLNMqw7ULe
troubled to see tears in her red eyes. She'd been crying a while, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLZXCoNLtR
already. but why, he wondered? She was the strongest person he knew, and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPsLZZ5SUg
she hardly ever cried. When she did cry, though, it was usually for 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxU7EoXyzi
something serious. She cried when he lost his job. She cried when they 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi9bAiMUug
lost their baby boy, William, two years ago. Those were the only times. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNgIqe8q1E
Two times, in their seven years of marriage, and he'd only seen her cry 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ903aC55SO8
twice.
As soon as she was close enough, he wrapped her in a loving361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Plkx0KSJ
embrace. "Hey. Hey. What's wrong? What's wrong, baby?" He mumbled in 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gLhCdbz9W
her ear. "Mary?" He pulled away and held her cheeks in his gentle hands.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8s5kjhuDf
"What's the matter, dearest?" He rubbed his thumbs under her eyes to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqisOJYQZg
push away the nasty tears that lined her cheekbones.
She didn't say anything, just handed him a crumpled piece of paper.
He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRxgAkBj2a
furrowed his brows as he took the paper. Unfolding it, he read over the361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUaTuEor6j
content carefully, and slowly. Neither he, nor Mary had been taught to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwaUuJkgUN
read or write, as children. They had to teach themselves after they were361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJSXQ4KrZJ
married. Though they were better at it, they still encountered trouble.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGpvpCBGPB
But understanding what was in the letter was no trouble for him. The 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhc7H31mrA
words were clear as day.
"I've been called to war. I leave first thing tomorrow."
She361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAaygO5WFE
released a sob when he said it aloud. And once again, she fell into his361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfYcRLboAj
arms. He was still in shock, but quickly began to cry along with her. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIlcfOAEeS
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be happening, he tried to tell361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H7o7CXUzV
himself. But the sound of his wife's cries clearly told him that it was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwDMOTckQn
happening. He was going to war. He was leaving his wife and three 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05UY2foeqN
daughters behind. He cried into her shoulder, and held her tighter than 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYYntqTYfW
ever before, stroking her soft hair.
"What are we going to tell the girls?" She whispered into his chest.
He361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFgK4hIW5E
shook his head and kissed her neck. "We're going to tell them the 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6IhYjsQCN
truth; that I've been called to join the war. There's no avoiding this, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCNOlCVYs8
Mary. We can't lie to them." And she agreed.
Going inside, they 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZgzJqAuP5
both called the girls from their room, and Justin beckoned them to sit 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPky4CrbZc
on his lap. He and Mary shared similar glances as they struggled with 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4uf0Nj4Sf
just how to tell their daughters that daddy had to go away. They didn't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkZBBw3Tu6
sugar-coat it. They told them everything.
"Ida, Ethel…you two know361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7QUKMPYGz
that all I want is to protect you, and make sure you're safe, right? 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZdnseJbUn
Because you, and Sallie, and mommy are the most important things to me."361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1F7YKjPqU
Justin started. When they nodded, he pulled them even closer and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9sSMAZZUq
stroked their soft cheeks. "Well that's what I'm going to be doing right361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24psIJxLCO
now. I…I've been asked to join the war. That means I'm going to have to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF5Njns5HJ
go far away, and make sure no bad people can hurt you, your sister, and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQq72DooFd
mommy."
Ethel shook her head, and her bottom lip quivered, as she361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LsUE8XEBf
threw her chubby arms around his neck. "No, daddy! No! No! No! I don't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfBZoz7PLD
want them to take you far away!" She cried desperately.
He blinked361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLNiWfkeH0
away tear as he wrapped one arm around her to keep her close. "I don't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiNKrUshZw
want to leave either, honey; but I need to protect you. Ethel, if there 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafKX1b2HpP
was another way, sweetheart, believe me I would take it, in a heart 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgE0dOFSKh
beat. But this is the only way I can protect you, your sisters, and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrvPm6nLyE
mommy." He hated doing this. He may as well have told her that there was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqaNu0SeaE
a chance he wouldn't be coming back. Her innocence was already damaged.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDD5jDyLJ9
She was to young for this. Ida was to young for this. Ida. "Ida…what 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1cB8ORyB0
are you thinking, darling?"
She was expressionless. It was like 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSGsx17Eb8
she didn't know what to say; and really, she didn't. what could she say?361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8caK0V7w8h
So instead of replying, she scooted up and buried herself in her 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSeJmrpTRi
father's chest. "I love you, daddy." She whispered.
He couldn't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdoNzALCi2
hold back the tears that threatened him, not anymore. He let them go as 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQaowET8mI
he bent to kiss her head softly. "I love you too, little one. Both of 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIq6gTdSLt
you." He spoke towards Ethel. After they got down and went to try and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbBRDbmUPz
distract themselves from the heartbreaking moment, Hiccup took little 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdigoaUaSm
Sallie. She couldn't know what was going on. All she would know was that361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTPE6I5G1u
she would be waking up, looking around for her daddy, and realize he's 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCzL0JxXL0
not there. She would wonder why. And God forbid, if he were to be gone 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw2TFZwRky
several years, he would come back and she wouldn't even know who he was.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa13tOIFsHh
His own daughter.
All to suddenly, the Daniels' world was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd530muS1t
crumbling before them. It was all being shaken, taken away from them 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcxgxHQmP4
within the snap of a finger. He didn't have a choice. It was either 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQRVC5HA1M
leave and stand a chance of coming home, or stay and undergo trial, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjtq14TStk
guaranteeing that he would never see his family again. there was no 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU28g7MfE3
choice; he was going.
That night, after all the girls were fed and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tgp7Q0Qfw
tucked into bed, Justin shut the door of their room, and was 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8FziZixBD
immediately met by his wife's passionate lips. It took him no time to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡratmvT8Vrk
respond to her kiss, and wrap his arms around her small frame. Their 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TviTufP3I
tears melted against their lips, as he pushed her against the wall, and 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt0JCSq7Wz
slid his hands down to hold her hips.
It didn't take long to strip361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQOFr46C8f
each other of their clothes and for him to lay her on their bed. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MtBp45vEx
Heartbreak filled what little space there was between their bodies. As 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6lq8kLvHF
he buried his hands in her disheveled hair, and kissed down her neck, he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZUyZFzOyA
mumbled words of absolute love and adoration for her. He told her how 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p4e8D8MtJ
much she meant to him, how he loved her, how beautiful she was.
When361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5so5d2qFzc
he finally entered her, she held tight to his back, trying to keep back361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORqKeDCkxB
her sobs. But it was all for naught. She dug her fingers into his back,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FbRDl9LOS
and cried softly into the crook of his freckled shoulder.
He 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcISw8AOjw0
shook his head and shut his eyes tight. "Don't cry. Please don't cry, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38Hi5BI80L
darling." He said begged with a strangled voice. But he too couldn't 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7C1TsxPI8
hold back his sobs. And as he made love to her, they shared in more than361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KgofWEmTZ
just passion, but also their fear and heartbreak.
Afterwards, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeCUA148zp
they laid silently in each other's arms. Nothing needed to be said, to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8u6YGzhQR
know what the other was thinking. It all spilled out in the way they 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcroaemtqHV
made love, and the way they held each other. Nothing could make this 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlQlwKEGFT
better. But for now, being with each other, was all they really needed.
The361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vq2tfmJ6I
next morning, they woke the girls up at the crack of dawn. It was time.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4EJICMijZ
Mary packed him supplies, enough to last him through several weeks, and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopjoVbUoLU
they all sat and ate one last meal together. After which, they all 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmMDwhG5mc
bundled up and went out to see him off.
It didn't take him long to361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP73zmHx3E
prepare a saddle bag, and then to saddle Bobbie. Though he wanted to 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNryosXU3F
prolong the time for as long as he could, he knew that it would just 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1aYNFKo1L
make it harder to leave. And he'd never seen a shame in crying, but he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA8MhtnmzU
also didn't like crying in front of his daughters. But today, he 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdljQJ6e58V
couldn't help it. he was leaving them, potentially to never come back; 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ985yXoqUAG
how was he not to cry?
When all was ready, he turned to his small,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKukmgkDU8C
but beautiful family. His daughters were quieter than he'd ever seen 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyiW3llt6v
them. His wife couldn't stop her flow of tear. His youngest daughter was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaPbhGAy2T
looking at them all curiously, confused to what was going on.
Licking361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvD94h7CKK
his lips, he knelt down and held out a hand. Ida was quick to come 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ne0OlCGsm
forward and take it. "Ethel, come here, little one." He beckoned gently.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4kZcFsb0X
She finally came forward, and he pulled her, with Ida, into his 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtiMPiUc2j
embrace. "Now, you two listen; I'm going to be home real soon, ok? I 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AKnNvEh8S
love you. I love you two, so much." He told them over again. Giving them361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10uMJsmJYy
each one last kiss, he stood to take Sallie int his arms. "Oh, Sallie, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzCPIkYyBd
please remember me, sweet girl. Remember, how much daddy loved you." He 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwghuheoekA
kissed her softly then handed her to Ida.
His heart melted when he361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBQw9zJAYj
gazed at his wife, as it always did. But this time was different. He 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEng3p5VA0
could be saying goodbye to her, forever. He didn't want to lose her, and361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxGNKBInpg
he knew she didn't want to lose him either. It was an unimaginable 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WZ2QjJo1g
thought, for both of them. It was hard to believe, seven years ago, they361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb0h35tuEv
were fourteen and nineteen and just getting married. Six years ago, 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicZ4xdabN4
they became the parents of a darling daughter. Now they were saying 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR7fv4sZoM
goodbye for an unknown amount of time.
He took a sharp breath when361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LCiiJTVz6
she threw herself into his arms, and he rested his head in the crevice 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1YJiQynZt
of her neck and shoulder. "I love you, so damn much. Always remember 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bB9ZsJreG
that, Mary." He whispered against her flushed skin.
She nodded 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXHlQ19dXa
wordlessly. "I will. Just, remember that I'm always with you. The girls 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P7bsn2tK1
are always with you. We'll be right here, waiting. I promise."
He 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhva1qOompl
sobbed and placed a single kiss on her neck. "One last time. Just one 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9yaCIeuUp
last time. I want to make love to you. I want to ride out with Ida. I 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWslMuEtzx
want to walk in and watch Ethel playing. I want to see Sallie laugh. One361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfy4ocxNJ8
last time. I want to see my family happy together."
All too soon,361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfVSKkpxNg
he was gone. Just like that. And Mary was left holding her crying 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5iS8l3H3W
daughters, as they watched their father ride off into the gloomy 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlfZe4dKTD
sunrise. It would never be the same again, they all knew. Everything, in361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI1N9JDvls
that moment, had changed.
