Finally, he lifted the heavy lid of the treasure chest, and the discovery was definitely worth the journey. In the chest was gold upon silver upon diamonds and jewelry and coins. The sunlight shone through the treetops and reflected off of the shiny treasures, creating a glow on Humphrey and Partner’s faces. Humphrey sunk his fingers into the mounds of gold, and was mesmerized by the way they twinkled as they seeped through his fingers.
They spent the rest of the afternoon hauling the treasure back to the entrance of the forest. Humphrey’s muscles were sore, and Partner wasn’t much help at all, but with drive and determination, he managed to reach his destination. Once again, they were in front of the beautiful forest, looking back at it this time.
“How are we supposed to go all the way back with this huge trunk?” Humphrey thought aloud.
Humphrey plopped down on the ground next to Partner, stumped.
As if an answer to their prayers, the wheelbarrow lady from Aspen came wheeling towards them.
“There you are!” She exclaimed with a relieved sigh. “I’ve been looking all over for you!"
Humphrey’s eyebrows were furrowed in confusion.
“Excuse me – but why are you looking for us?” He asked.
“Just wanted to make sure you made it here safely. Didn’t take a right. Some sketchy business going on down that way. No place for a young boy like you.” She replied with a smile.
“Oh, well thanks. We’ll just be on our way back.” Humphrey began to push the trunk down the road.
The lady eyed the trunk suspiciously.
“Did you have that there trunk last time I saw you?” She questioned.
Humphrey panicked. He couldn’t let anyone know about the treasure, or they would try to take it like the bandits in the radio program he had heard.
“Umm… yes ma’am. I’ve had it all along.”
“If you say so.” She shrugged. “So where are you heading?”
“Back to where we came from,” he answered, “Canon.”
The lady’s jaw dropped and her eyes popped out of her head. “You’re going all the way? Pushing such a big chest along?”
Humphrey nodded slowly. He hadn’t thought about that before.
“Tell you what: how would you like to come along with me? I could take you along in my wheelbarrow!”
Humphrey wondered how a little old lady like her could possibly wheel them one hundred forty miles, part of which is up and down a mountain.
“Trust me,” she said, noticing Humphrey’s confused look, “I’m stronger than I look.”
She winked.
Humphrey, completely defying his instincts, hefted the trunk and his satchel into the wheelbarrow and climbed in after it. He noticed that there were no longer any vegetables. He then helped Partner into the wheelbarrow. Strangely, they had room left over, despite how small it appeared on the outside. He ignored the mystery and settled in the surprisingly comfortable seat.
“Just close your eyes. Go to sleep. Enjoy the ride.” She repeated this until Humphreywas lulled to sleep along with Partner.
Humphrey had the dream that he had had the night in the mountains again. Except for this time, the old lady was in it, and she was repeating over and over again: “Just close your eyes. Go to sleep. Enjoy the ride.”
...
HEY YA'LL!! Sorry I havn't posted in a while, its been a crazy week because all of my teachers are trying to cram in last minute tests and assignments before the quarter ends. I can't believe I'm on Chapter 11, this experience has been amazing and I love sharing my stories with ya'll. If you haven't already, check out my new Harry Potter fanfic, "Severus and the Snape", and I should be posting Chapter 2 in a few days... it's a work in progress! There's only one more chapter in Chasing the Sky - then maybe an epilogue if i'm feeling like it's neccessary. Anyway, have a great week and until Chapter 12,
-Gean Parkins
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Chasing the Sky
Historical FictionWhen poverty strikes during the Great Depression, little Humphrey wants to help his family. He decides to run away in hopes of returning with the financial aid that his family so desperately needs, but will his efforts be successful? And will he m...
