Kentucky Tails. Betsy Byrne

your Mom did today Raney.

      I wish there was something else we could do that might help ease the pain you two have got to be feeling. Raney stopped walking turned to Peter with watery eyes and let out a screech that could wake up the entire area, ‘It was my entire fault. Yes, my Mom shouldn’t have to go through what she is feeling right now. I don’t know what to do; I took her youngest away from her, from my being a selfish and unfeeling chipmunk, with nothing on his mind except for justice for himself.’ Peter hugged him, and spoke into Raney’s ear, ‘don’t be so hard on yourself, chap, ‘life’ has a way of happening, whether we like it or not.’

      ‘If you weren’t even present, it was just her time, no matter where she was, or who she was with, do you understand that?’ ‘Yes, and I’ve always believed it to be true, but it’s so hard when it’s as close to you as this is. I promised my Mom that I’d never fight again, and I really mean it, but I don’t seem to be able to control my actions, what’s wrong with me?’ ‘Not one thing, son.’

      ‘You go home and wait to talk with your Dad. He’s so wise, and has never had anything but good to say about you. I can tell by the look in his eyes when he speaks of you, that the two of you must be rather close.’ ‘Yes, but I don’t know after what just happened’. Dutch, Raney’s Dad, heard of what had occurred, and scurried home just as fast as he could. Prissy really was his ‘little dandelion.’

      He was across the road, and down in the pond, taking a dip, since the weather was so warm. The first thing he did when he got home was to hold Emily, with every ounce of strength he could collect. ‘My baby, my baby,’ was all that Emily could mutter through the endless sobs. Dutch started to weep, and Raney saw them through the opening of their den, and decided to sleep outside tonight. He was just too tired to hear any more about what he caused, no one could tell him anything that he hadn’t already told himself.

      He kicked a stone, and watched the fireflies float by, giving their light signals to the females that were on the ground flashing their lights right back in communication mode. He felt so empty, how could he hurt his Mom so bad. Prissy was a good sister, yes, she was young and obnoxious, but what youngster hasn’t been at that tender age?