If It Rains by Jennifer L. Wright

Author:Jennifer L. Wright [Wright, Jennifer L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Christian / Historical, FICTION / Coming of Age
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2021-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

KATHRYN

Chelee’s hooves were what finally did it.

After several days, I had gotten used to the stench of riding two to a saddle under the glaring sun with a strange man. I’d gotten used to the sore butt and the cramp in my twisted foot as it dangled without a stirrup over the horse’s bony side. I’d even gotten used to the sour taste in my mouth from the lack of water.

But the constant, never-ending quiet. A quiet so loud it made my ears scream. It clung to every bit of me, thickening the air, crackling through my bones, and making every sound echo. Mr. Hickory’s breathing was ragged, dry, and right-on-my-neck annoying. The wind scratched dirt across the pavement beneath us like sandpaper, prickling my skin. And the constant thunk of Chelee’s hooves carried across the prairie and right back into my ears, pounding through my brain.

Wheeze.

Scratch.

Clip. Clop.

Mile after mile after mile.

Wheeze.

Scratch.

Clip. Clop.

Louder. Slower. Trying even harder to drive me insane.

Wheeze.

Scratch.

Cli—

“Stop!”

Mr. Hickory jerked on the reins, causing Chelee to snort unhappily.

I didn’t wait for him to help. I slid from the saddle, landing painfully on my good foot. I did not allow myself to whimper. I had to get away. From him. From the horse. From here.

I hobbled to the nearest tree, collapsing under its dead branches and into pitiful shade.

Mr. Hickory remained on the saddle, watching me. “You gotta pee?”

“No, I ain’t gotta pee. I need a break.”

“Take us longer to get there that way.”

“I know that,” I snapped, pulling off my shoe and wincing as the cramp flooded into full-blown pain. “I still need a break.”

“Alright.” He dismounted and led Chelee to a patch of dead grass, dragging one leg slightly behind the other. He gave the horse a satisfied pat and then trudged up the hill behind me.

“Where you going?”

He did not turn around. “I’m gonna take a leak, if you must know. You best try and do the same. We ain’t stopping again until nightfall. I ain’t . . .” His voice faded as he walked away from me, toward the nearest hill. By the time it reached my ears, it was nothing but mumbles.

I stretched out my legs, ignoring the scratch of bark at my back, and pulled Melissa’s handkerchief from my pocket. I laid it across my face and closed my eyes. It stank of old sweat, but for a moment, I could pretend she was with me. Like we were taking a break from chores, watching storms roll in like we used to. Back when it used to rain. I could imagine Melissa’s face, smudged with dirt, lifted to the sky. I could pretend the drops were on my skin. In my hair. Yes, I could almost feel it.

A scream interrupted my daydream.

I jumped up, ignoring the stab of pain in my leg, and spun around. The air was still. Chelee had not even looked up from his chewing. Good grief. Did even imagining rain make you go crazy?

Another scream cut across the prairie, then a pop.

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