Josephine's Lists

Chapter 18- Face Your Fears

The pounding of her heart hastened like a pair of horses cracked by the whip.

Thump...thump thump...thump thump thump

She thought this was possibly the worst idea ever to be conceived. Rubbing her sweating palms against the fabric of her pale pink day dress, she tightly closed her eyes as she entered the tiny building. If she stretched out her arms, she could easily touch both sides. Rays of sunlight drifted in from cracks between the old wood boards illuminating an array of rusty tools and tattered ropes.

"...Ya for certain a' this m'lady?" asked the gruff gardener called Guthries.

"No. But we best get on with it lest I miss the evening meal or renounce this crazy scheme altogether," she urged on a shaky breath. "My apologies, but I must ask again. You are certain we are alone out here?"

"Tis' only me, and yer two friends out 'ere, M'lady. But, that isn't countin' yer old hound."

They were some distance from Loewick House, but she still felt ridiculous. And, the thought of any other witnesses unsettled her already heightened senses. She knew Henry and Constance would be waiting right outside the rickety door. Somehow that knowledge brought zero comfort.

Henry had immediately sought out his sister to assist in the first item on Josephine's list. Conquering fear of roosters. It had taken a bit of convincing to pry Constance away from Sir Cartwright, but eventually she conceded.  The thought of Josephine screaming in undignified terror was ultimately something Constance did not want to miss. So, after swearing Sir  Cartwright to secrecy, she had followed Henry and Josephine outside to a scary old shed which Josephine proceeded to walk into while speaking with a gardener.

"I'll give ya the key Mr. Whitmore. But I ain't wantin' to be 'ere, in case someone else comes 'round," Guthrie's explained.

They all agreed it was best for him to leave the key and go. Guthrie's walked away but not before setting down a wooden crate housing the largest rooster Josephine had ever seen.

Josephine watched in horror as the giant bird violently flapped his wings sending several feathers to flight. She couldn't help but wonder if the anticipation might be worse than the reality.

"Josephine, you are looking white as snow," Constance observed, concerned for her friend. "Must I say again how foolish I find this endeavor? I doubt it will work, and you are likely to worsen your fear."

"Oh hold your tongue, ye of little faith," Henry scolded his sister, and placed his hands upon Josephine's shoulders. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course," Josephine assured.

But I do not trust roosters...sneaky creatures

"The only way to conquer your fear is by facing it eye to eye. Alright, so once I put him in there with you, I am going to lock the door. And I promise the rooster cannot hurt you. But I will not open the door regardless of your protests. If I open the door, it will defeat the purpose. Understood?"

Josephine took a deep, preparing breath. "Understood. Now let us get on with it."

Josephine reentered the small building, this time more nervous than the last. Her heart began beating wildly again, feeling each thump inside her chest. Constance eyed her terrified friend with honest empathy. Although not afraid herself, she knew Josephine's fear was genuine.

"See you on the other side Miss Yorke," Henry called out before tossing the flapping rooster inside and quickly locking the door.

Not but a second later and Josephine was in a full panic. In the tight quarters, there was no escaping the ornery rooster. And her nervousness only served to agitate the already provoked animal.