It is hard to explain what it was like in the Appalachia during the Great Depression, my family, like Rosalie's, didn't even know there was a depression. I actually remember hearing about the stock market crash, a group of men told my dad that people are loosing everything. My dad said 'good thing we already got nothing, we won't have to worry about loosen' anything.' (He wasn't a literate.) He died of a cold that winter, luckily my older brother Emory got me a job working for the railroad along with my other brother Emerson. That was how I got stuck in the Tennessee wilderness.

Tennessee, Early Spring 1935

"Emory," I smiled opening the door to see my oldest brother in a slick new navy blue coat with golden buttons. "When did you get all fancied up?"

"Working on the rail road," Emory answered. "Emerson should be on his way."

"Good, I just got supper on the table." I smiled as Emerson came in.

"You cook now, brother?" Emory questioned as they both glared at me.

"Yep, all part of living on my own." I smiled as I poured them some hot rabbit stew.

"This stuff is awful," Emerson blurted out. "No wonder mamma use to not let you play in the kitchen."

"nice to see you too." I pointed out to Emerson as he ignored me.

"So what brings you here so late after dad passes?" I finally asked.

"We needed to check up on you," Emory answered. "We were worried about you."

"We didn't know if you were smart enough to make it." Emerson answered. "Since you dropped out."

"Shut up, Emerson." Emory ordered.

"Well I had to say something," Emerson committed. "Not likely he is to be a glory football star."

"Someone had to keep the gas station running," I defended myself. "If you two came home more often, you would of notice Dad wasn't up for the job and food needed to be kept on the table."

"Anyway," Emory moved on. "We have to take a train shipment to Nashville, and we have an opening so we were wondering?"

"If I could come along?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes," Emerson answered. "You will be taking coal back and fourth to the engine, it doesn't take much skill so you would be able to handle it."

"And we figured they would love a third McCarty." Emory smiled. "You will love Nashville, Emmett, it is filled with the most gorgeous girls."

"And you might have a chance with one of them," Emerson committed. "Most of them choose brains over brawns any day."

"Emmett, need more coal!" The head of the engineers shouted as I raced back to the coal car to find the box completely empty. Crap was the only word on my mind, I was debating on whether on not we had enough but Emerson informed me with the high cost of coal the railroad can only afford enough to take us to Nashville. I knew we should of packed extras, I ran back to the conductor and informed him on the problem.

"Conductor, conductor." I shouted on the door.

"The conductor's busy," Emerson came out and shouted. "Go do your duties."

"That's what I am here for, we are out of coal." I said quickly as Emory came out.

"What was that Emmett?" Emory came out with his eyes wide.

"We are out of coal." I informed him.

"We have to inform the conductor to stop the train quickly." Emory said. "We might make it to the trail, than one of us has to do a fifty mile hike to the mine and get some more. Stay here, Emmett." I watched as Emerson give me a dirty look while Emerson shut the door.

The train than started going at a slow pace stopping right at the trail that led to the coal mine which was about a ten mile hike. I than saw Emory come out with a large back carrier.

"What are you doing?" Emerson asked.

"I'm going to the mine and get the coal," Emory answered. "I'm the oldest, so I should get it."

"I should be the one to do it," I stood up for him. "It was my fault."

"No, Emmett," Emerson said quickly. "Too many bears, you are better off here."

"But it was my job to provide coal for this train." I explained. "Who is going to answer the switch board when the company calls."

"You're the only one who can do it," Emerson pointed out. "Emmett knows this trail, let him do it."

"Not to mention bears are just coming out of hibernation." I pointed out. "None of them would even notice I'm walking by."

"Fine," Emory agreed. "It is close to four in the morning now, I expect you to be back by noon."

The Appalachians was very wide, but I knew most of my way through it. This was the first time I went hiking alone. I passed the bear cave; I notice a bear was in a very deep sleep. I then heard a loud crack as I accidently stepped on a branch. It came through the air like thunder, waking up the bear. I heard its angry growl coming towards me. I froze in fear, I wish I took a gun along, but that wouldn't of helped. I tried to make a break for it, to find I was standing at the edge of a cliff. I than felt a sharp pain as it's claws ripped into my shoulders, causing me to fall. I felt its breath on my face as he sinking his teeth into my skin.

I was about to become its first meal of the year, its gigantic paw was on my chest about to rip open. Then the bear stood and started crying out in pain, it seemed to be fighting another bear but I couldn't feel it. The bear let out a loud roar than became very quiet. It was midday when this happened, I remember the sun shinning into my eyes as I saw a diamond blare come towards me blocking the sun. I than felt a strong pair of cold hands lifting me up as I begun to slowly fade. I begun to worry about my brothers, I would never prove to Emerson that I am worth something, I don't think he would care. Emory would probably be out later, hopefully he'll find my body at least. I then looked up and saw her, all of a suddenly I didn't care about proving myself to anyone but that woman with the diamond skin. I knew she had to be an angel.