Hatchetfield.

I'll write something real nice to you

When their wagon finally stopped so they could gather some supplies, Mouthface knew that it was time to search for a way to contact her family. Luckily, while McDoon and Cletus Jones were busy somewhere else, she managed to find a posting office. She didn't know exactly where they were, but she knew that, if they were still doing the trail, they'd pass around there. At least that's what she hoped.

Something inside of her was telling her that it was useless, to be honest. But another part of her insisted that she must remain hopeful and wait for her family to save her. They wouldn't give up. Mom would never give up.

With that in mind, she left the letter on the counter of the office.

My Dear Family,

please, know that I'm okay. Mr. McDoon hasn't done anything bad to me. Well, besides kidnapping me.

How long have I been kidnapped? I really can't remember. The days pass and everything I see is dirt and more dirt. If I were with you, Dad, I'm sure I'd have a lot more of fun. How have you been? Things must be pretty bad right now, considering that the wagon dad bought burned down. Is it me or is God punishing him a little too much?

Mom, I know that you're worried sick, but really, there's no need. Mr. Mcdoon keeps saying that he won't hurt me, he says that he doesn't like bruises on his child brides. I miss you a lot. Please, please, don't blame Dad for this. It was my fault for flirting with Mr. Mcdoon... I guess you were right about that.

Tell Craphole and Grandpa that I miss them too. I'll find a way to escape from these guys and be with you again. I promise.

With love,
Mouthface.

Will they even receive this letter? She really hopes so. Mouthface hurried and went back to her kidnapper's wagon. God knows what they'd do if they find out she was missing.

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A week or two have passed since she wrote the letter to her family. They haven't stopped at any place, it seems that McDoon is getting impatient. Did they receive it? Do they even know about her situation? Every day, the thought of her family abandoning her haunts her.

She decided to write another letter. While the possibility of seeing them again remains, she won't lose hope. She can't. If she did, she'd be letting McDoon win.

My Dear Family,

did you receive my last letter? I really hope so. I don't even know how many days it's been since I last saw you. I miss you. I miss you a lot, really. Sometimes, I wake up and expect to still be in the farm with all of you, like this whole thing was just a dream. I wish this were a dream.

I've decided to start a journal with all the spots we passed, just for you, Dad, though it isn't that cool to visit them all by myself. Today we went by Soda Springs, but there actually wasn't any soda, like you said. Maybe it's because the water's too hot? If I remember well, soon we'll see Fort Hall. I'm really excited, I've heard lots of things about it. Although it'd be better if I saw it with you.

I still can't believe I'm here all by myself, on the trail. This was supposed to be like a family vacation, you said it yourself, Mom. Now I'm here, in a stranger's wagon without knowing anything about you. Are you really okay? Did you and Dad fight again? Please, send me something, it can be a telegram, a note or whatever, but please I need to know that you're all fine.

It's starting to get dark, I have to stop writing now. I hope to hear from you all soon.

With love,
Mouthface.

She held the paper in her chest, hugging it as if it were her own family. "Soon", she whispered. "Just a little longer."

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