UNBROKEN PROMISE

~20~Hurtful words

The morning sun was bright and warm as Oma stood on the porch, clutching her small bag of things. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she glanced down the dirt path, waiting for Megan and Jacob to arrive. The church bazaar wasn’t something she’d ever imagined herself attending, and the thought of being out in town, surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces, left her feeling equal parts eager and nervous.

The sound of the wagon wheels crunching over gravel pulled her from her thoughts. Megan’s cheerful voice rang out as she waved from the front seat, Caleb sitting beside her with his tiny hands gripping the edge of the wagon. Oma smiled faintly, waving back as she stepped down off the porch.

Before she could head toward the wagon, Logan appeared, stepping out from the barn with his usual steady stride. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was a seriousness in his eyes as he approached her.

“Before you go,” he said, his voice low and firm, “I want you t’remember to be on your best behavior. Don’t go stirrin’ up trouble, and don’t let anyone rile ya, no matter what they say.”

Oma nodded quickly, clutching her bag tighter. “I’ll be good,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Logan studied her for a moment longer, then gave a brief nod. “Alright. Go on, then.”

She turned and hurried toward the wagon, where Jacob had already climbed down to help her up. He offered her a hand, his grin as easygoing as ever. “Here ya go, Miss Oma,” he said, steadying her as she climbed into the seat beside Megan.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, settling into her spot.

Jacob climbed back onto the driver’s bench, taking the reins as Megan turned to Oma with a wide grin. “This is gonna be fun, you’ll see,” she said brightly. “There’s gonna be stalls full of treats, games for Caleb, and all sorts of things to look at. I’ll make sure we find somethin’ sweet for you.”

Oma smiled faintly, her nerves easing slightly at Megan’s enthusiasm. Caleb let out a happy babble, his chubby hands waving excitedly as the wagon started to roll forward. The journey into town was pleasant, the sound of the wheels and the rhythmic clop of the horses’ hooves blending with the hum of morning birdsong.

As they neared the edge of town, Jacob cleared his throat, glancing over his shoulder at Megan. “You remember what we talked about, don’t ya?” he asked, his tone half-serious, half-teasing.

Megan rolled her eyes dramatically, letting out a huff. “Yes, Jacob, I heard ya the first five times. Don’t go spendin’ all our money, don’t let Caleb run off, and don’t get into no arguments. You act like I’m a child.”

Jacob chuckled, his grin widening. “Just makin’ sure, that’s all.”

Megan shot him a playful glare before turning back to Oma. “Don’t mind him,” she said with a laugh. “He thinks he’s gotta keep me in line all the time, but between you and me, I let him think that so he don’t feel useless.”

Oma couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at Megan’s mischievous tone, and for a moment, the knot of tension in her chest loosened.

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When they reached the bazaar, the town square was alive with activity. Colorful stalls lined the streets, their canopies fluttering in the breeze. The smell of roasted peanuts and fried dough filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and lively chatter. Children darted between booths, clutching sticks of candy, and a group of men stood near the center of the square, performing tricks that drew a growing crowd.

Jacob helped Megan and Oma down from the wagon, steadying Caleb as the little boy tried to climb down on his own. Once everyone was on solid ground, they set off together, Jacob walking a few paces behind the women as they explored the market.