Letters for Sally

Chapter 11

Chapter 11
Sally looked out the window and took in the beauty of the landscape.  The mountains in the distance were breathtaking and awe inspiring to say the least.  She had seen mountains before but these seemed to just rise up out of the flat land and stand tall and proud as a perfect snow capped background to beautiful land spread across for miles.  However, if she turned her head just slightly she saw rolling hills dancing at the bottom of those same distant mountains.  The horses and cattle grazing on the hay bales set out for winter added to the beauty and the chickens pecking around in the snow made it feel like a farm magazine or TV program.  Sally had never cared too much for animals, farming stuff, or outdoors much in general but she appreciated the beauty and always thought it had a peaceful feel when looking at it.  As she looked out across the land she noticed that the sky seemed bigger and more epic than the sky lines she saw in the city.  She couldn't remember ever seeing a sky look so huge, so open, so gorgeous.  She was sure she had never seen anything so beautiful when she looked over to the other side of the window and saw a stream flowing through the snow covered ground with three deer, a white rabbit, and two horses getting a drink.  She felt like she was watching the discovery channel.  She would never have seen such beauty back home or at any of the hotels she had stayed across the United States and even other countries.  This was different.  Her room was smaller and she had to share a bathroom with others.  Her closet was only three feet wide and her dresser was only four drawers and no mirror on top.  She didn't have a desk or a study and the bathroom was just a small tub and shower combo with a little sink and toilet.  It was not what she was used to at all but it was also warm, cozy and inviting.  The wood trim and dark colors gave it a surprising cozy feel regardless of the small space.  The quilt on her bed was warm and made her feel the perfect temperature when sleeping but also had a surprising cool sensation to her skin.  She figured this feature alone would be a new normal for her.  The quilted blanket was the best feeling comforter she had ever experienced.

Sally decided to get ready for the day.  She gathered her toiletries and clothes and headed out to the bathroom.  As soon as she opened her door she smelled eggs, bacon, biscuits and a sweet smell she had not identified yet, maybe apples.  Maggie yelled from the kitchen, "I wasn't sure if you'd sleep all morning honey.  I am making breakfast clean up and come join us."  Sally yelled back, "Yes, Mrs. Maggie I am going to take a quick shower and I will be right there."  The smell of the food immediately brought back thoughts of Roger and she decided she needed to call him later that day and tell him all about the beauty of the land and how she was doing.  She missed it already and she smiled to herself realizing how much she cared for this man who had loved her as much as his own children.  Sally quickly went inside the bathroom and took a shower, got dressed and found her belly grumbling a little.  She was hungry and the smell of that food was making her mouth water instantly.

As she walked into the kitchen she noticed it was a much lighter wall color than her bedroom.  The kitchen was a soft yellow like the color of vanilla ice cream with a touch of lemon mixed in.  The decor was Native American paintings and rugs.  She noticed a few pictures with bible verses on them and a few farm animals nik naks as well.  The kitchen was simple but big enough for a table that sat eight chairs.  Maggie was dressed in a long tan dress with a colorful apron on.  She cooked like a busy bee and she smiled at Sally every so often without saying a word.  Sally really liked Maggie more and more with every encounter.  She was a pleasant woman who had an inviting personality and she was so authentic just like Mr. Harry.  Everything about them felt real and down to earth.  They radiated love and compassion.  The home was peaceful and had a grace about it she could not describe any other way. "Maggie, what tribe are you from.", Sally just had to know.  She could tell from her features, dress, and beautiful black hair that she was Native American but she wanted to know first hand.  Maggie looked at Sally with a broad smile and said, "I like you Sally, you're direct and observant and I will also add smart.  I am Lakota."  Sally smiled to herself and made eye contact with Maggie, "I would love to hear more about that."  Maggie chuckled and tilted her head, "I would love to share my ancestral history with you my new friend. But for now let us eat."