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The Distant Road

Sonia Segura

    I guess I should have seen it coming.....trouble! It seemed to always follow me. My first instinct told me to ride away into the sunset, while the going was good! My Mama always told me that the T in my middle name should have stood for Trouble not Theodore. I didn’t mean to cause trouble; it just followed me everywhere. I sure enough proved my Mama was right.
    It all started the day I rode in to the sleepy town of Broken Arrow. I had been on my own since I was no bigger than knee high to a grasshopper. My folks and sister had died in a fire and I was left an orphan at six years old, with no other family to speak of. Our closest neighbors and supposed friends took pity on me. Or so I thought. But, then they found out that I could be used as free labor for their fields. I guess I grew up a bit rebellious. It didn’t help having no affection from my so-called new parents.

    Meanwhile, a few years had come and gone. I was a bit older and able to understand that if I didn’t high tail it out of there my life would be over! I decided to borrow their best horse. I figured I deserved it! Out here in the West you were considered a man at fifteen years old and - yes, Sir I surely did think of myself as a man.
    I had traveled far during the two weeks I had left my old life behind. I had tried to avoid the big towns. I spotted Broken Arrow in the distance and it seemed like the answer to my prayers. It was the kind of town I was looking for to settle in. As I rode into town I received the usual look over when someone new is in town. The people appeared to be friendly enough, with a smile here and there. I had never seen so many people in my life. I was in awe!
    While I had taken provisions and a good horse, money was another matter. I thought the saloon was as good a place as any to ask about a job. I was so hungry, I felt my innards were about to bust out. Also, I had no place to stay the night. I got off my horse and tied it to the hitch-rail. I walked into the saloon, the swinging wooden doors hitting me as I went in. I heard snickers from the table closest to the door. Trouble makers was what they were. I ignored them and decided that my growling stomach was more important than retaliation. I walked up to the bartender and asked, “Mister, you know anyone that’s hiring around here?”
    He replied, “Son, you better get out of here. Those boys back there are looking for trouble. They already have an eye on you and have marked you as the target for their games.”
    I looked back and sure enough they were already making their way towards the bar. As soon as they reached the bar they surrounded me. The one that was acting as their leader pushed me and said, “I hear you are looking for work.
    Well, we have a job for you. All you have to do is beg for it.”
    I knew they were not serious. They just wanted to mess with me. I tried to not mind them. But, like I said before, trouble seemed to always follow me around and it had found me. All I had wanted was a good meal and a place to stay! I guess that was not happening! When was lady luck going to show her face?
    I said, “Look, I ain’t looking for trouble here. I was just leaving.”
    The bartender said, “Boys, just let the fellow go.”
    Of course they didn’t listen to him. All of them ganged up on me and threw me through the swinging doors. I fell on the ground and was about to get up, when I looked up and saw an angel’s face. I thought I had hit my head really hard and was having some kind of vision. Because that’s what she looked like to me - a vision! The sun was hitting her hair at an angle and it looked like spun gold. Her eyes were the color of the purest blue. That’s what had made me think of an angel. Because when I had looked into her eyes I had thought of heaven.
     She extended her hand towards me and said, “Hello? Are you alright? I overheard you asking for a job? I think I can help you there. My name is Emily. My uncle and aunt are looking for someone to help them at their general store.”
     Hallelujah! Lady luck had finally decided to make an appearance! I wanted to go back to the saloon and rescue my dignity and balls. But looking at this angel of mercy made my mind up for me. She helped me up. I thanked her and cleaned myself up as best as I could. We headed down the street towards the general store. I felt very proud to escort Emily down the street to her aunt and uncle’s place. Emily and I walked into the general store.
    I have to admit I was nervous and scared. I was not used kindness from folks. This was all new to me.
    What I saw almost blew my boots off! This was my first time in a place like this! This was the most amazing place and with such a variety of things to eat. I don’t believe I had ever been to such a place where they sold so many things! Then I looked at the food and my stomach started to protest. I felt a bit embarrassed about that in front of Emily. I sure was hungry! The little food I had taken when I left home had kept me for a couple of days. I had eaten whatever fruits and berries I found and had also had trapped a few squirrels that were good eats. We approached the counter where Emily’s aunt and uncle were helping some customers. They looked like nice folks, but I had thought that of my adoptive parents. Boy, had I been wrong about that!
    Mr. Walker, Emily’s uncle said, “Emily, dear? Who do you have with you?”
    Emily told them about the trouble I had had at the saloon and that I was looking for a job and a place to stay.
    He asked me, “Son, where are you coming from?”
    I felt a bit intimidated by him. I had not been around too many people in my life. I told him I had come a few weeks’ ride south from here. Then I said, “Listen Mister, I’m hungry and need a place to stay and I’ll work for it”.
    He answered, “My wife and I have been looking for some help with the store and you are a godsend!”

    It had been a long time since I had heard any kind of praise from anyone and it sure made me feel good. He suggested that, if I didn’t mind, I could stay out in the back store-room.
    If I didn’t mind? I was grateful for the offer and the trust! And it sure beat sleeping in a barn full of animals as I had been doing before, while living with my adoptive parents. That night I had supper with Emily and her uncle and aunt. I finally felt like part of a real family. I would try my darndest to not let these people down. When Emily and I were grown up a bit, we fell in love and married. When her aunt and uncle passed on they left us the general store. We raised our four children with love. My life had come to the end of the road and my distant future was sure looking bright.

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