I was so happy to be back home. That "coon hunt" as it been referred to, I openly admit, was too much for me at the time. I appreciated my three meals a day, and peaceful sleep at night, more than ever after that adventure.

But, I do not take it for granted. It, in many ways, made me stronger. Losing my left arm didn't seem so bad after all I gained. I gained two true friends, learned much, sometimes more than I would've liked at the time, and in the end, got what I wanted done, done. I had peace of mind.

It had been a good year since I got home, and I was still getting used to life with one arm. Mama helped me a lot, though I often claimed I could do things myself. Thank goodness I was not lefthanded.

I sat in my room, late one November evening, at my desk where I was, as unusual as it was of myself, excitedly ripping open an envelope containing a letter from Mr. LaBeouf. Normally I did not get so excited over such a simple thing. In his letter, Mr. LaBeouf had apologized for not sending a letter sooner, and that he had quite a considerable amount of news.

I leaned back in my chair, beginning to get lost in my reading. I considered that a flaw of mine, I got too into my books or letters when reading alone.
I mused that Mr. LaBeouf had a nice cursive handwriting. I chuckled that it seemed quite feminine. It almost surpised me. Almost. But, the letter went as follows.

Dear Mattie Ross,
My deepest apologies for not finding time to write you a letter sooner. Our adventure, If I may call it that, is one worthy of being written about. I had no time to really apologize for my childishness during our time together, so I ask your forgiveness now. I had much work to do, upon returning home to the Lone Star state, I mean, and I am taking this break now to write you a letter and enjoy some relaxation. I did miss my homeland, but now I find I am missing Arkansas and your and the Roosters', believe it or not, company. I have found, however, upon returning home, a strange sickness has taken hold of Texas-

I paused here in reading for a moment, rereading the letter thus far. It seemed a little strange at first, but, it was getting chillier and Mama said it would soon be Flu season. At the time, I believed perhaps Texas had gotten hit with it first. That was a silly thing to think, I know now. But I continued to read.

It continued with:
The other Rangers and myself have been steadily riding from nearby state to state, in search of a cure. Many have died of this illness thus far. It is similar to a fever, I believe. I do not all of the details myself as I am quoting what a doctor has told myself and the others, since we try to stay away from those ill. One goes through a horrible fever, with coughing fits, and convulses every now and then before death. It renders one unable to eat, even soup, and all those whom have suffered it, have shrivelled up to but skin and bones and turned a nasty green. It is actually, very frightening, Miss Mattie, and I pray this illness does not spread to Arkansas, for you and your family's sake. I do not like to leave my state, in a time of need, but I feel safer outside of it right now. I am still in search of a cure for my friends and family back home, and I believe I will consult Arkansas next and pay you a visit while I am there. I must get some rest now, take care.

It ended with a: Yours Truly, LaBeouf. In his fancy signature.

I had been so into his letter, I had paid no mind to anything else but the writing on the paper in my hand. The thought of people, boney, sickly green, and convulsing in a doctor's clinic, I admit...scared me out of my wits. At that time, I wished I had not read it before bed.

A sharp rap came to my wooden bedroom door and made me jump, darting out of my chair. "Mattie! It is well past dark, you best go to bed or your going to have nightmares!" Mama warned me. "Yes ma'am. I'm going to bed now." I assured her. I was going to bed but I heavily doubted I would get any sleep with the image of what was in Mr. Labeouf's letter now in my head.

I knelt, said my prayers at my bedside, and climbed into bed. I was indeed going to have nightmares now, Mama...