Strange

Jade blinks back another tear as she looks up at Dan. She knew in her head that all this wasn't her fault, but her heart still hurt.

She sniffs again as Dan starts to leave, and really isn't sure how to respond. He was being so kind. Even after yesterday. Remaining on the hay bale for the longest time, she just watches Dan work along with the other ranch hands until she finally wanders away...


"Hey, Rosetta?" Sparky taps on the office door, poking his head inside to find his sister-in-law. He offers a small smile. The day had gone by quickly, and supper would be soon. "Um... I noticed Mick still isn't back. I had a question about the horses out front, but he didn't answer his cell. Jade said she told you Dylan was missing? Have you... heard from Mick at all?" It was strange... Mick had left that morning and nothing else had been heard. It wasn't like him to at least not have called.

Outside, Jade paces around the barn. She had skipped breakfast and skipped lunch, and her stomach pains reminded her of that, but she didn't want any supper either. Where was her dad? What was happening? She'd talked to her mom again and she'd been raked over the coals for telling Mick about everything. Now he wasn't even home. She chewed on a broken fingernail, continuing the worn path around the barn... and around again.