Thinking about how I’d see my folk erased the meanness of the day and lit a small joy in my heart. I hurried over to Junia, light in my step, and planted a kiss on her muzzle. “Tomorrow, tomorrow, ol’ girl, I will be in Mama and Papa’s arms!” Junia opened her sleepy eyes and whinnied softly.
Patting her neck, I thought about Carson’s proposal and worried if I should mention it tomorrow to my folk. They might push me into marrying him for my safety. Turning it over in my mind, I decided I wouldn’t tell them about Carson. Instead, I’d show them Byrne’s obituary.
Twenty-Three
I awoke at two on Saturday morning, hurrying to eat and dress, excited to finally see my folk. I remembered gas was about 30 cents a gallon and pulled two dollars out from my coat lining, then packed some dried peaches, sausage, biscuits, and apples, doubling it so I could share it with my folk. Carefully, I slipped it inside Mama’s worn leather satchel.
Outside, I carried a lit lantern over to Junia’s stall. Sleepy-eyed, the ol’ mule ambled out slowly. “I’m going to see Mama and Papa today, so you need to carry me quick to the nurse’s cabin.” Junia straightened her ears and looked around. “No fussing or poking along, today, Junia. Straight to Amara’s.”
I wrestled her saddle onto her back and slipped the satchel inside the pannier. Junia bared teeth, quietly nibbling the air. “I forgot your cookies.” She bobbed her head, nuzzling my shoulder. I hurried back inside to pack her treats.
The lantern chewed through darkness and the swirling morning fog as we rode away. Soon a light mist came down. I rolled my knit hat down over my ears and burrowed my chin deeper into my coat.
In the distance, dogs barked, their high-pitched exchanges skating back and forth across pine tops. I stiffened. Again their screams shimmied the forest, raising the hairs on the nape of my neck. Coyotes. I glanced down at my scabbard and tried to make Junia go faster.
Suddenly, I felt something move around my bottom and creep slowly onto my lap. A shriek escaped in a long-winded quiver, and I shut my eyes, feeling whatever it was lumber across my thighs.
Blowing hard, Junia slowed to a halt.
With a trembling hand, I raised the lantern over my lap and swallowed hard. Exhaling three sharp breaths, I gulped down another and then fluttered my eyelids open before dropping the collected air like a brick.
Pennie. I nearly collapsed at the sight of her.
The cat had stolen away inside the pannier. “Pennie,” I squeaked out, stroking her small head, relieved. “I’ve never been so happy to see you,” I told the cat. “But you nearly knocked me off my mount with fright. You have to go back.”
Junia snorted impatiently, exhaling puffs of cold air. Pennie stretched and kneaded the mule’s withers, purring loudly. The mule’s muscles rippled with pleasure. Flopping her ears, Junia nibbled at the air.
I pulled the damp cat closer and turned Junia back to our cabin. When we arrived home, I climbed down and carried Pennie over to the stall. But Junia beat us to it and pounded inside. She wouldn’t budge.
I stared up at the dark sky, worrying. We had already lost an hour carrying Pennie home, and I had to spend another half hour fussing over the mule’s loud indignant brays. I grew frantic. Would Amara wait or leave without me? Finally, I coaxed Junia out with a cookie.
“Hurry.” I prodded her with my knees. “Hurry, Junia. I don’t want to lose my ride.” Hours later, the rain stopped and the sun broke through the misty fog, the skies lightened in hues of lavenders, pinks, and oranges as we rode the paths. Birds trilled their choruses of sputters, chatters, and chirps, calling the new day.
I cut through town and saw the sidewalks empty except for a miner hurrying inside the Company store. Mrs. Martin was headed into the library, and the courthouse was deserted.
When we rode into Amara’s yard, I was relieved to see her lights on. I told Junia, “You’re going to stay in the building over there.” I climbed down and tethered her to the porch, then dug into my pocket for her cookie. “Stay put, ol’ girl. I’ll be right back to take you to Amara’s stall.” I kissed her nose, then raced up the steps and knocked lightly, scents of chimney smoke wafting over the small home.