Never the Same

⟮MONTHS LATER⟯

LUICELLE NAOMI RODRIGUEZ'S JOURNAL
DO NOT TOUCH!

I sat quietly, enjoying the early morning sunrise. Something furry brushed against my legs. I looked to Dandelion playing with my feet. I laughed and stroked her amber colored fur. I began to notice that she was starting to grow her winter coat. As always she started jumping up and down excitedly. I got up and followed her to the field. She jumped around and ran in circles, making the dandelion seeds fly up. Dandelion tried to collect the seeds with her mouth, but she wasn't successful. In the distance, I could hear voices and the rumble of machines. I grabbed Dandelion and layed on the ground very still. The tall dandelions hovered over me a few feet, making me feel a bit safe. The voices became louder and I could feel the ground vibrate. Dandelion whimpered and I cupped my hand over her nuzzle.

"Get up." a stern voice said. Instantly I stood up. He grabbed my arm and started to drag me away.

"Let go of me!" I shouted and tried to wiggle out of his grip. He nodded to another man who took out a gun and aimed it at Dandelion.

"NO!!" I screamed, but I was too late. I could vividly see the bullet charge into Dandelion's chest, knocking her over. I kicked the man that was holding me, making him let go of me. Then, I rushed over to Dandelion and felt her chest. Her heartbeat was gone. Anger rose inside my chest.

"We were trying to protect you from that fox." a man said to me in a haughty tone.

"SHE WAS THE ONE PROTECTING ME!" I shouted furiously at them.

"Call the cops." one whispered to the other. I dashed off, away from them. Away from the field. I didn't know where I was going, I just went.

After hours and hours of running I made it to a fence that surrounded a large field, more like a meadow. I jumped the fence stealthy and walked further into the meadow. Then I saw it. The most beautiful thing I've seen all my life. There stood a broad horse, white with brown splotches. He was happily grazing on the tall grass that went up to my knees. I walked closer to him, quietly and carefully. Just like in the movies, I stepped on a branch and it cracked beneath my feet. The horse's head went up and turned in my direction. He neighed like he was trying to say, "Welcome!". The horse trotted over to me. I slowly brought my hand to his face and stroked it.

"Hey! Get off my field! Don't touch my horse!" a feminine voice shouted. I turned to see a lady standing at the gate of the field. She looked to be maybe about 60 years of age or older. I stopped touching the horse and walked over to her.

"S-sorry ma'am. I didn't know he was yours." I replied.

"What the heck are you doing here?" she asked.

"It's a long story." I told her. I could feel breathing on my neck, and found the horse behind me.

"That's Niko, he's very gentle and friendly," she explained. "Now please come inside and tell me why you are here."

I followed her inside a decent looking home, small but in fair condition. She led me to a couch and told me to sit down. Then she got up and came back with two coffee mugs and a plate of cookies. Eagerly, I grabbed a cookie and devoured it quickly. Then I told her everything.

"Oh my days! I'm so sorry to hear about all that!" she said to me once I was finished. I nodded and sipped the warm drink.

"Now how old are you? And what is your name?" she asked.

"Lucille Naomi Rodrigues, but call me Lucy. I am eleven years old. What about you?" I told her.

"Raven Austin. I am 76 years." she replied.

"Are you married?"

"I was, but he died. He was addicted to some dangerous drugs and died of heart problems."

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I've managed to run this farm for 17 years alone."

"Really? How many animals do you take care of?"

"One horse, eleven hens, two donkeys, and a cow." she said. Then, a big rottweiler trotted over to me. "And a dog."

I laughed, "What's his name?"

"Max. He's very energetic."

I stroked his dark fur as he licked my leg. I chuckled, he was a big goofy dog.

"So you don't have a place to stay." she confirmed.

"Correct."

"Why don't you stay with me? I could use some help around the farm. And I have a ton of milk and eggs to get rid of."

"Oh my gosh I would love that!" I said, hugging her. She laughed and hugged me back. "And um, could you teach me how to ride a horse?"

"I would be honored." Raven replied.