Unfixable Mistake (Little House On The Prairie FanFiction)

Bad News

"They're home!" I heard my sister Mary shout. We all ran outside. Ma and Pa slowly climbed down from the wagon...alone.

"W-where is he?" Mary asked in a nervous tone. Pa swallowed and tried to blink back his tears.

"In heaven, child." She ran to Ma and Pa crying. How could he be gone? They prayed for him, and God answers prayers. But, I didn't. What if it's my fault? What if he died because I didn't pray for him? What if I killed my baby brother, Pa's only son? I quickly ran off. I couldn't stand to see Pa cry, all because of my stupid jealousy. A few minutes later, while I was sitting by the creek, I heard footsteps. I felt an arm wrap around me.

"Laura, I know you miss your brother, and so do I. But we have to be strong, if not for your own sake, do it for your Pa. He needs his little girl more than ever right now." I threw my arms around her.

"I love you Ma."

"I love you too. Now come help me fix a special supper for your Pa." I went home happy that afternoon, because I finally knew what to do.

The Burial

The next day was Charles's burial. I could hardly bear to see them put that little boy who meant so much to Pa and Ma in the ground. Ma fell to the ground in tears. As soon as we got home, Ma told us to stay home, and that she was going for a walk. A few minutes after Ma left, I snuck out the back door to follow her. After walking a long way, she sat down by a tree. I hid behind a nearby one and strained to hear her words.

"God, why did you take our son? Charles needs a son, so badly. Don't get me wrong, I know he loves the girls, but he loved our baby boy too." I heard quiet sobs. Immediately, I ran home. I went to the barn, where Pa was working.

"Pa, how much do you love me?"

"What kind of a question is that half pint?"

"Please just answer it Pa, how much do you love me?"

"I love you, and your sisters, and your Ma, more than anything in this world." I smiled.

"I love you more than anything Pa." I hugged him tightly. I wish I would never have to let go, I thought.

"Pa, can we have a picnic tomorrow after church?"

"I don't see why not. Now you go inside and get washed up for supper. And tell your Ma I'll be in soon."

"Okay Pa." I went inside. "Ma."

"Yes dear?" I walked into her room where her voice came from. Her face was tear stained and she held a bible in her hand.

"Ma, are you okay?"

"Yes Laura, I'm fine. Tell your Pa supper is almost ready."

"He said to tell you he'll be in soon."

The Picnic

The next day, after church, we had a picnic, just like Pa had promised.

"Ma, I left my shawl in church."

"Well hurry up and go get it." I ran inside. I picked up my shawl and walked over to Reverend Alden.

"Reverend Alden, may I talk to you?"

"Yes child, what do you have on your mind?"

"If you do something bad, and you know how to make it right, should you do it?"

"Of course you should Laura! If you know a way to make it right, you most certainly should."

"Thank you Reverend Alden."

"You're welcome Laura." I walked back outside. If my brother had to die because I was selfish, then I should at least get punished.