A High Noon Ranger

Disrupted Commonfolk

I rumble disrupted the peace and the people grew short and disturbed. Soon enough horses seem to fly through the town. Men rode upon them with lit torches, throwing them at the ground. Shrieks from young could be heard everywhere, just like the night this happened to my town, to my family. I whip out my pistol once more, and take out three men that were riding on horses. People begin to dive and ducraced back to his horse and rode off leaving only a cloud of dust and something glimmering where he stood. The children raised from their protection and began to cheer. I slowly waltz toward the small object that shone out through the dust. I crouch down to dust of the item. It was a sheriff's badge.

I grasp it as I get back on my feet. One of the father's from the small community saw the badge in my hand and urged me to hurry far away. I puzzled while shifting the badge around in my right hand, its rough edges smoothly gliding across my rough, dirty fingers. "Not until I fix this" I slowly responded. I knew the town he was from, it was a three day ride. That means I get one week. One week to make things right. My mind slowly loses its grip on the idea of revenge. I finalize my decision and call for the kids, "Y'all want to hear a story before you head home". They all cheered once more and gathered around. I pulled out my Bible from my back pocket and their faces sparkled with amazement. I knew that they had never seen a book in their life. I open the book and begin telling them the story of Samuel, the man whose power was given by his hair through God. By the time I finished they were begging for another story. Eventually, even the parents were asking for stories. When the sun was no longer visible, everyone was sent home. One of the boys tugged at my arm he quietly asked "Are you a prophet, like Samuel". I chuckled and shook my head then paused "Y'know, I think everyone is, as long as you listen to the God in your heart". He grinned and hugged me, then continued to run home. I end up sleeping with the family I came to see in the first place, and I knew something great was going to happen.

I spent the next several days fixing up the houses and nights reading to the citizens. They all began to grow to care for me and I for them. Yet, on the eighth day, I knew I must leave. If not today, the savages would come back for me. So, I said my farewells and rode off, back to Lee's ranch. I return around noon which means Lee will most likely be preparing food. Maybe he will be just starting and he could make some for me as well. I can feel the smile on my face spread as I tie up the horse I rode. I happily walk to the door with a skip in my step knowing the good I've done. But all that happiness washes away when I reach for the door handle, and it's been broken in.