We live far off in the woods, about thirty minutes from town, on a farm. I mean, it's not really a farm because we don't farm, but we have about 50 acres of land filled with horses, cattle, bulls, chickens, peacocks, quail, donkeys, and mules. Our house isn't very big, but it's beautiful and country. I love it, and I wouldn't have wanted to spend any of my 17 years in a different one.
I remember one time when I was five, I was just learning to ride a horse, and my Daddy was walking him.
"Daddy, can I go faster?"
"No, Lena. You'll fall off and get hurt.
"Pleeeeaase, Daddy."
He was silent for a moment.
"Alright."
He hopped on Trigger with me, and we rode and rode until sundown. I remember exactly how the spring wind whipped at my face and how Trigger's mane swayed as he ran. I was having the time of my life. I remember Daddy's full smile as he watched me. I remember we stopped in a meadow full of white daises, only disturbed by Trigger's hooves, to watch the sunset. I remember it vividly, the most beautiful and perfect array of purple, red, and orange painted in the sky. I remember how Daddy's smile faded to a sad and solemn expression.
"Always remember the most beautiful things in life go by unnoticed, Magdalena. Don't ever forget it. Don't let those things pass by."
I gave him a funny look. He kept his eyes trained on the sunset. I didn't quite understand any of this then, but I think I'm beginning to now.
***
I'm up in my room, getting ready for bed. I don't really want to go to sleep yet, but I'll try anyway. I snuggle up in my covers, and close my eyes. Usually it only takes a couple of minutes to drift off, but not tonight. I toss and I turn gently trying to find a comfortable position, but it doesn't seem to be working. After maybe ten minutes of wriggling around, I start to get angry at myself. I begin violently throwing myself around on the twin bed. Finally, I just can't take it. I decide I should get some fresh air.
I don't want to wake Momma, so I try to tiptoe my way through the house, but it just isn't working. It seems like every little nook and cranny in the house wants me to fail my Mission: Impossible. In hopes that it's opposite day, I go for the walking-around-normal tactic. It actually works. I'm going for the back door, when suddenly I remember it squeaks. I stop dead in my tracks. This will surely send Momma down with the 20 gauge. I throw open the door, hoping this will work, being careful not to let it hit the wall. To my surprise, the house is working towards my advantage. I do the same to close it.
I'm finally outside. It's chilly out, but I don't care. I love the outdoors, especially at night. I could sit and stare at the stars for hours. I curl up in the porch swing, and I finally catch some z's...
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Sorry, Wattpad didn't put this chapter up for some reason. I got it fixed, though.😂
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