In the Heart of a Mustang

Betsy Fowler bustled around the kitchen, making new messes as she prepared items for lunch. She hummed as she worked, all the while keeping a sympathetic eye on the new boy. He was hurting, that much she knew. The source of the pain was not evident to her but she knew she would find out eventually…she always did one way or another. “That looks great, boys,” she said with a smile and a swat on Julius’ backside with her dish towel.

Julius let out a fake bellow, turned and gave Mrs. Fowler a bear hug. She laughed with delight from within the circle of his strong arms. “Now, you boys go out and have some fun. I’ll see you after lunch!” she said as she playfully pushed Julius away.

Hunter felt his face redden and he turned away in embarrassment. The overt displays of affection between Mrs. Fowler and the boys made him feel uncomfortable, though he couldn’t have explained why.

The “fun” Betsy Fowler was referring to on this bright, hot Saturday, consisted of horseback riding games in the large arena. Boys were hooting and hollering as they took turns riding horses around the obstacle course that had been set up on the sandy surface of the arena. Hunter watched from the wooden bleachers that stood just outside the arena fence. The boards on the bleachers were sun bleached and splintered from years in the harsh desert climate.