Prairies of Heart

Chapter 10

I love you, Summer; Henry said

Summer came in from the house as the crows began calling. It was getting late out and she lit a lantern up to go put on the porch. When she came back inside she had heard that Henry said he loved her. No, it couldn't be? Could it? Why would he love me? We only had a few encounters? Summer was about to go speak to him but saw he was asleep and holding a box in his hands so she tugged the blankets over him then gave him a gentle forehead kiss before closing the sliding doors. Wait why was he golding a box as small as they could come? Summer asked but figured to let her mind rest from the questions. She went upstairs to the ranch house and peeked in to see that Madison was reading a sleeping Mason a book

What you pals chatting for; Summer asked and startled Madison

Freakintein; Madison spoke

As much as she could though her speech was mostly songs and rich folk words. Summer sat next to her as they read page by page about a monster named Frankenstein. When Madison grew sleepy, Summer took the book from her and tucked her in then kissed both the kids on the cheek.  Summer accepted that Madison called her mom since she was the one who took her in when Amber died. Carl, the mayor, never even bothered to look at his daughter or feed her. He would sometimes eat right in front of her face and give her the scraps. Before Summer left for town with Henry, she had stopped by what was left of the mayors home and found a chest of Ambers belongings which would not budge. It was in the back of the wagon. She jolted out of the thoughts as Scarlette came in

Didn't mean to frighten; Scarlette said

No worries, I was wondering what to use to open a chest; Summer asked and Scarlette gave her a weird look

I have something, wait here; Scarlette said leaving then coming back with a crowbar

That will do; Summer said leading Scarlette down the steps

What we doing; Scarlette asked

I found this chest full of Madison's mothers things, it wouldnt open; Summer said as they arrived to the wagon and went inside looking at the wooden chest with a golden frame.  Scarlette grabbed the cowbar and pushed it under the lock. Both girls had to use all their might to get it open then it did open and low behold there was something dreadful. Oh no! Summer said to herself

This can not be real; Scarlette said looking down at a chest full of human remains and 6 letters beneath it along with dresses

Lets start with the letters. 3 each?; Summer said

How about we read them together; Scarlette said

Deal; Summer said and picked up a letter with a purple stamp handing it to Scarlette who put on a glove