Even If They Don't Ride Horses Anymore

Another Day Far From Home. Episode 11.

Jacob’s project was coming along nicely after several weeks of effort. Mr. Castleton believed it would be of interest to many audiences and supporting the venture would benefit them both. Castleton had yet to meet someone so genuine and unpretentious as Jacob was, as he mentioned to Uncle Harold, and he was certain the work would sell.

That night in Uncle Harold’s smaller guest room, Jacob took out his journal and began an entry.

I wonder what it’s been like back home. I miss Willie, and Jake, and Betty Lou, and everyone. They were afraid I wouldn’t remember them. Now I’m the one who’s afraid they won’t remember me! Coming back to the city reminds me that in the world’s eyes I’m not much of anything and that’s not such a nice feeling to be having. I had forgotten how it was here, how the Darwintons were and their ilk, and how insecure I guess I am. But I know I’m doing what I need to be doing and I am going to keep at it until I’m done.

I try to imagine how I would feel if they all did forget me back home. Would I be happy they went on with their lives or would I be sad that they didn’t need me anymore? I wonder when I get back if Betty Lou were to say that that man from New York stopped there for a visit and asked her to marry him again, would I be happy for her or would my life feel like it were crashing down on me like too many times before. I suppose I will have to see how it all turns out but I believe I’m where I was meant to be right now in doing what I know I need to do. Like Betty Lou always says, you’ll know what to do when the time comes.

They expect the automobile will be common here before too long. Uncle Harold showed me the one he has been experimenting with and it is quite a wonder. I can see why dirt roads would be a problem, especially when it rains, as the ruts would become even more pronounced. Guess that’s where blacktop comes in, not just to do away with the dust for us reg’lar folks.

I still miss you Maddie. And Betty Lou still misses Jason last I knew. Missing’s a good thing because you only miss those you loved, the ones who made a difference in your life, brought sunshine to your days.

That last night back home, talking with Betty Lou, I finally let go of blaming myself for Maddie being gone. How selfish I was really. It was never about me, but that somehow gave me someone to blame, to give it all a certainty, when I could find no other reason for  any of it. Betty Lou could always make sense of things when I would hold too tightly to be able to see it. She has been such a good friend to me over the years and what a special treasure she was to Maddie.

Remembering, he took Betty Lou’s note and Jake’s picture out of his pocket and looked at them with a smile. And then his head began to nod and the journal slipped out of his hand as Jacob fell fast asleep. It was the end of another day, far from home.

Previous Episodes. Even If They Don’t Ride Horses Anymore
Aunt Daisy & Caleb. Episode 1
July 4th, 1900. Episode 2
Keepsakes. Episode 3
A Better Way. Episode 4
Unfinished Business. Episode 5
Looking Down That Road. Episode 6
Not Looking Back Any More. Episode 7
The Wheels of Time Turn. Episode 8
The Blue Box. Episode 9
It’s Time to “Bring It.”Episode 10