Deep within the swamp, Agwé lives a peaceful life among his family and animal friends, with whom he shares a special gift. That is, until his life is torn asunder and he is driven from his home by the voodoo spirits. Lost and alone, he wanders the...
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After bidding goodbye to the townsfolk, I was pulled aside by a kind looking elderly man and woman.
"Excuse me, son, I couldn't help but overhear you," said the man. "Well I don't know nothin' about emerald skies, but we happen to be headin' to a farm ourselves. And it's just the darndest thing, but it goes by the name of Emerald Ranch. Ain't that a coincidence? My wife and I'd be happy to take you, if you were interested?"
Well you can imagine my surprise and relief in that moment. Truth be told, I had no idea where the spirits were guiding me in this latest vision, as there were countless farms and ranches spread across America. The spirits must have brought this couple into my path to ensure I was guided to the correct one.
"Well thank you kindly, sir. That's mighty generous and if it's not too much of a bother, I would gladly take you up on your offer."
"Anything for you, my boy. You saved our nephew's life. We've been in town visiting him and his family, you see. If not for you, he'd surely be a goner."
As I helped load the couple's supplies into their horse-drawn wagon, I was surprised to find a donkey named Walter riding in the rear. He suffered from severe separation anxiety, so had accompanied the man and woman on their journey. And what a good boy he turned out to be. Our peculiar caravan was soon off and on our way to this Emerald Ranch, which was around a day's journey from Annesburg. I came to find out that the man's name was Otto Pollard. He had worked at this farm his entire life as a ranch hand. His wife, Martha, was a retired school teacher. Despite their elderly age, they both retained keen minds, and were about the sweetest folk I ever had the pleasure of meeting.
We enjoyed a pleasant journey, passing smoothly along the rolling green hills through the Heartlands. Before daybreak, Emerald Ranch itself rose into our view. It was rather impressive, with its sprawling pens full of all manner of farm life, just as my vision foretold. Rustic barns and fields of crops filled the area, in addition to the spacious farmhouse, which was painted emerald green in color.
Upon arriving, Mr. Pollard promptly introduced me to the owner of the ranch, a man by the name of Eugene Wegner. He was quite a nasty fellow, who eyed me immediately with distaste. Even refusing to shake my hand, I'm saddened to say. But Otto vouched wholeheartedly for my character and hard work, which seemed to hold some weight. They happened to be in need of another ranch hand, and Wegner reluctantly gave me the job. Even he couldn't pass up a man of my stature, as there was no doubt I was built for the rigors of farm labor.
Otto and Martha insisted that I stay with them until I got settled in my new role, and I gratefully accepted. We had clicked on our wagon ride, quickly forming a kinship of sorts. They were very much the type of folk I enjoyed spending time with. Genuine and kind. Easy to talk to. Salt of the earth. Their cottage was a short distance from the ranch. Though small, it was highly comfortable, with the fireplace warming every nook and cranny of the place. Mrs. Pollard was a master chef, and always ensured my belly was full of something warm and delicious. She reminded me of my Mama in that way. Gran and my aunts too. Always ensuring their loved ones were filled to the brim. Had it truly been four years since they'd been gone?
