The breeze blows between people in the Johnson Valley Cemetery, as kids' tears dried with the wind. Mr. Rickard Anderson stood still as he saw his wife's coffin was lowered into her grave. He let one tear roll down his cheek into his mustache, then prayed for his wife to be safe where she is now. Once the funeral was over, Mr. Anderson and his son, Adam Anderson, placed flowers next to the head stone of a beloved wife and mother.1
"Dad, I miss her already," Adam said softly.2
"I know you do. I do too, son," replied Richard.3
Richard and Adam went into their car and didn't say one word, nor looked at each other. Once they got home, both went to do different tasks- Richard to the house, and Adam to the stable. There, Belleza jogged back and forth in her stall, waiting for Adam. Upon approaching her, Adam couldn't help noticing her copper coat and black hair shining as she moved in the sunlight. Thrilled to see Adam, she gladly accepted carrots that he brought for her as a treat.4
Richard called Adam to the house to pack. Belleza watched Adam drag his feet behind him as he headed toward the house. Once inside, Adam looked puzzled and asked...5
"Dad, I don't think Belleza would understand what 'moving' is."6
"You are probably right," Richard replied, then smirked. "She might7
think we are going on a hay ride."8
Adam smirked too and headed upstairs to pack. He could help remembering the first time they brought Belleza home. She was just a small, weak pony with a heart-like shape on the top of her head when they first saw her. She grew more stunning as she became bigger. The Andersons' wanted to take her home immediately, but she was still too young. As they waited, watching her jump, and gallop through the grassy fields.9
The time finally arrived, Richard when to grab the horse trailer and Adam gathered all her belongings. Adam was so excited that Belleza was coming home, the enthusiasm rubbed onto her as well. The truck stopped, and the Andersons placed Belleza in her new stall.10
"Welcome Home, Belleza," Adam said with a pleased face.11
"Adam, are you done packing?" Richard yelled slightly.12
"Almost there, just a few more things," replied Adam.13
The ending piece to packing was a picture of Belleza and his father, and took one last look at this old room while he walked out of the door.14
"Son, go get your horse, but make sure that she has food when we leave," Richard reminded.15
"Dad, can I take one ride with her around town before I start that?" asked Adam.16
"Yes, but be quick about it. You have thirty minutes," replied Richard.17
Rushing to the tack house with a smile on his face, Adam grabbed what he needed then headed to Belleza. She knew what was going on, so she waited for Adam to gear her up, then started the ride. This was a memory that Adam wouldn't forget- the last ride in his home with Belleza. Richard scattered around the property, making sure that all belongings were not going to be left behind. Adam came back, loaded Belleza in the trailer, and sadly watched the mountains of Johnson Valley disappear in the background.18
In about five hours, they arrived at the new home. A lot of property,and a little house. Both Richard and David started to unpack all of their belongings and memories. As time passed, Adam sat at his window sill, watching his horse run around into her new arena as she once did when she was young.19
"Adam," Richard called while looking for Adam. "Why don't you take another ride with her around the neighborhood. Maybe you'll even make a friend on the way."20
"Okay, maybe I'll do that," replied Adam.21
He got outside and started slow on the road, glancing at the strange and unfamiliar surroundings. As they came to a dirt road, he took a double-take at a cute girl picking flowers and a dog running in circles.22
"Oh, you startled me. Hi, How are you?" said the girl, turning towards him.23
"I'm f-f-fine, thank you," Adam stuttered out24
while signaling Belleza to stop.25
"You have a beautiful horse," she said.26
"Thank you, she's one of a kind."27
"You're new around here, right? I'm Lori Sue-Ann,28
but you can call me Lori," she said and smiled.29
"Yeah, I'm new and from the mountains," Adam said, trying to clear his throat. "Well, I'll have to see you later. My father might be worried. Bye!" said Adam as he waved.30
"Okay, maybe later," Lori waved back.31
Adam and Belleza galloped home and let her get some sleep from all the excitement of the day.32
"Adam, dinner is ready," announced Richard.33
"On my way, dad!" Adam yelled back.34
The aroma of spaghetti helped Adam rush into the kitchen, but he never remembered his father learning how to cook.35
"Dad, when did you cook...food?" asked Adam.36
"Very funny, I didn't. Our neighbor gave it to us as a housewarming gift; someone by the name of Lori. Do you know her?" replied Richard.37
"Yes, I just met her in the meadow, picking flowers," Adam said.38
"It seams our neighbors have 'common ground'39
with us," inquired Richard. "Lori's father died earlier,40
and Lori & her mother are left of their family.41
"Oh, how sad,I know how she feels," said Adam.42
"Don't apologize right now,43
dig in and head to bed, mister," scuffed Richard.44
"Alright dad. Mmm..spaghetti," drooled Adam.45
For having such a tough day, it sure was nice to see46
that it all turned out for the better for Adam and Richard. 47
THE END.48
Author notes
I wrote this in 9th grade and recently found it.
The assignment was to write a story about a picture my teacher supplied (there were many..so I found one that was appealing. It was of a man and his horse...sound familiar?)
It may not be perfect, but I thought I'd post it anyway.
Though I did do my best to proofread it.
Please let me know what you think. ^_^
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