A/N: This one is a little more violent than the first chapter, isn't it?
Disclaimer: The members of Avenged Sevenfold and their families are the complete proud owners of themselves.
September 13, 1846
We should reach Sacramento soon. Before we even left Independence, Pa told me the plan; leave in May, arrive in September. I've listened to the leaders of the group talk at night. They say we are a little behind schedule, but as long as we pick up our pace, we should be basking in gold in a few weeks. Ma believes something is amiss, though. The animals are acting strangely, too. It is all we can do to pray that winter will not overtake us.
Ma gave birth to Katie, a beautiful, healthy baby girl, in June. The birthing process was tough for Ma. There is a doctor in our traveling party, but he doesn't have the proper medication for childbirth. She had to endure all the pain and recovery on her own terms. With sympathetic intentions, Mr. Donner tried to find smoother paths. His wife had given birth a year prior to our departure, so he knew Ma's pain was extreme. Katie is as strong as the rest of the Sullivans, though. We will all make it through this.
With an extra child in the picture, it's been hard to keep us all well-fed. Pa's had to bring out the gun quite a bit. We call it "drive-by dinner". Fortunately, the party is traveling slow enough that we don't get too far behind.
A few days ago, we had trouble with a few wolves. They decided we were easy prey and attacked a few of the wagons. Just like the stories, a young lass named Margaret and her sister Matilda were killed. Their father, Bartholomew, was devastated. Mr. Donner had to force him to continue traveling. We stopped for a few hours to dig them a proper burial site, then left the area. Now whoever passes by will see two unfortunate souls laid to rest, marked by small, handmade crosses.
Even tonight, after sunset, a coyote sneaked into our camp. We were just settling down, having prepared the animals for rest and setting out our sleeping supplies, when we heard a haunting howl. A feral growl followed shortly after, and a scream echoed through the camp. Pa and I dashed out of the wagon and saw Kelly being attacked by one of the beasts. Pa quickly grabbed a hammer from a leather pouch on the side of the wagon and smashed it into the coyote's skull. The animal whimpered feebly, collapsing onto the ground. Kelly stared up at us, wide-eyed. Her tears were mixing with the blood running from gashes on her cheeks. Immediately, we took her to the doctor.
Gary Sanders was already preparing a space for Kelly when we arrived. We had carried her there for shock prevented her from walking. Mr. Sanders patted a space next to his son, Matthew, and got to work. He inspected Kelly's wounds first, telling Pa the damage. From what I could tell, it was bad. "Those coyotes have razor sharp claws and even sharper teeth," he muttered under his breath. Matthew motioned for me to talk to him for a moment. He told me he could understand his father's rambling, and explained Kelly's condition. Mr. Sanders had many salves and herbs for healing, but if infection sets in, she could die.
That news had me stunned silent. I'd never imagined a life without Kelly. She was the perfect sister. We almost never fought, and she understood me when Pa and Ma didn't. She was the glue that holds our family together. Without her, I'm not sure how I could cope. Katie was still too young for me to tell her things she would comprehend.
Mr. Sanders did all that he could, even saying a quick prayer with us, before he and Matthew bid us a good night. After taking care of the one coyote, the rest scampered off in fear. We weren't worried about them now. When we reached the wagon, Ma was asleep. We didn't wake her, but quietly set Kelly down to rest. Pa and I looked at each other and sighed. This trip is definitely not going to plan.
~James Sullivan