The Ballad Of a Bird~ Jack Marston Story

☙ ✯ ❧Chapter Twenty~Three☙ ✯ ❧

{listen while you read?~ I recommend If I Lost My Eyes by The White Buffalo}
~ ☙ ✯ ❧ ~ ☙ ✯ ❧ ~ ☙ ✯ ❧ ~ ☙ ✯ ❧ ~ ☙ ✯ ❧ ~
(not edited)

The next few weeks where confusing and full of sorrow for the grieving parents as winter approached, especially as Jack was concerned about Birdie and his gang being in the wild mountains during the approaching snow. He knew that some of the gang members had been considering starting anew, but didn't want to leave each other behind. After discussing his concerns with Kullen and Birdie, they all agreed on a plan.

"Listen up, everyone! I have something important to discuss," Jack called out to the camp, capturing everyone's attention. The gang gathered around their leader and the two who stood beside him.

"I understand that winter is coming, and without our usual resources, some of us have been thinking about starting fresh. After talking it over with Mr. Cullen and my dear Birdie, I have an idea," Jack explained, leaving everyone curious about his proposal.

"I suggest that we leave this mountain together and find a new home as a family. I know of a farm where we can build something meaningful," Jack shared, and the gang immediately embraced the idea.

"I'm with you, boss," Wyatt declared, and the rest of the men agreed, as many had always dreamed of working with cattle and horses.

"I'll get the girls packing." Maggie chimed in, and the girls excitedly began preparing for the journey. Soon, everyone was busy dismantling the camp and getting ready to leave. Jack turned to Birdie, who was smiling at him.

Birdie's smile was a mix of relief and hope. She had been feeling lost and adrift since their daughter's passing, but Jack's idea gave her a sense of purpose again. The thought of starting anew, of building a life together with their chosen family, brought a glimmer of light to her heart.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Birdie said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Leaving everything behind and starting fresh."

Jack took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. "It won't be easy, Birdie. We'll face challenges along the way, but we'll face them together. We'll build something beautiful, something that honors our little bird."

Birdie nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "I believe in us, Jack. I believe in this family. We'll make it work." 

"Before winter arrives, would you accompany me to visit our daughter Heidi and my daddy? It won't be possible once the snow falls," Birdie requested. Jack smiled and nodded, kissing her forehead.

"Mr. Cullen, make sure everyone is prepared to leave when we return," Jack instructed his brother, who nodded in understanding.

"Of course, boss. Take all the time you need. We'll be ready," Kullen assured before walking away to handle some misbehaving gang members, aka Sawyer and Jesse. Jack took Birdie's hand, and together they mounted their horses, embarking on their familiar path to visit their daughter's newly dug grave next to her father, Arthur.

They trudged through the already snow-covered path up the cliff side, their footsteps muffled by the thick layers of white. The air was crisp and biting, but Birdie and Jack hardly noticed. Their minds were focused on the memories they held dear, the moments they had shared with their daughter.

As they reached the two grave markers on the cliff side, Birdie's heart clenched with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. She knelt down beside the newest marker, brushing away the snow to reveal the engraved name of their little girl. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought to keep them at bay. Today was a day for hope, for looking forward.