Doth Mother Know You Loveth a Woman

by alm0ndm1lk

It's the summer of 1942 in Summit County, Colorado. Santana Lopez is 15 years old, and she wants to become a doctor like her father. When she is denied apprenticeship by him, things start to look down for the girl. That is- until she is riding the local cart to a store in the next town over, when a mysterious blonde on a horse is pleading for a medic.

Words with meaning

All across the state of Colorado, the rolling hills are plenty. The sun beats down at ninety degrees, and the wheat reflects the light to transform its yellow color into a shining gold. In a small valley between two mountains, lies a simple farmland. A gorgeous river flows through the middle of the land, a house on each side. On the left, a barn is attached to one of the houses, housing three horses, a mule, and a flock of chickens and ducks. Across the river, is another house that sits alone. This whole farmland, that you get to call your home.

You've lived here all your life, along with your mom. Even your mom's dad lived here, and yet the farm stands like it is brand new- a sign of a well loved home.

On a hot Thursday afternoon, you venture out to the barn. Inside the barn, there are rickety stairs that lead to your favorite spot in the whole valley. The hayloft.

It's your favorite because- at night when it's just warm enough to sleep in there, some of the roof slants have caved in. Through the cracks, you are able to gaze at the millions of stars that lay ahead, and think of the stories your mamma has told you when you were younger. You remember the story about the moon who fell in love with the sun, an you relive it as you drift deeply into sleep.

But today, you have other missions. You are told to feed the horses, your mom making sure you know to bring a bale of hay down from the loft. You obey happily, walking up the stairs and grabbing the first bale you see.

As you grab it with the hay hooks, you notice something on the ledge of the wallin front of you. It looks old, and there is at least three inches of dust coating it fully. Curiosity pokes you deep in your stomach. Before you have a chance to grab it, you remember what your mission is. You need to feed the horses, and Jane the mule.

You decide to come back for it later, when the horse and Jane are fed.

You drag the hay to the hole in the floor- that is the ceiling of the stables- and drop it down into the aisle. Wanting to get the chores done as fast as you can, you sprint down the stairs and cut the twine that holds the flakes of hay together. You distribute the flakes easily, having done this for two years now- you consider yourself a pro.

Once the horses and Jane are fed, you use all the energy you have left to run back up the stairs, and to that mysterious object. You are panting now, sweating from the heat, the chores, and the running. Grabbing the object, you wipe the dust away for it to be revealed as a book.

No- you think, wiping the dust away some more. It is a journal. You note how withered the leather cover is, and make sure to turn the page with such care to make sure it doesn't snap right in your fingers.

As the page is turned completely, you take a seat on another hay bale to examine it.

As you do, you start reading the first entry.

August 27th, 1942

Hello. This is my first attempt at writing here, and I have no clue where to start. I asked my father to accompany him on one of his medical exams. It was the most exciting thing I have ever done. I have always been fascinated with the practice of medicine, and my dad was quite the doctor. He worked hard to get to where he is today, immigrating from Mexico to be standing here today and getting ready for a procedure.

And so, I asked to go with him.

He laughed. I don't condone swearing at my father, but the bastard laughed at me. I told him that it was my birthday, and that my one birthday wish was to learn as his apprentice and become a doctor myself. He said that women are unable to become doctors, and told me to stay here.

I was upset. His version of apologizing was giving me this journal and telling me to write about medicinal practices here. So, that is where I am at right now. If only I could have the same opportunities as men- but that would mean I would have to be a man myself. And to that, I say of course not.

That is all for today. I may sneak into my parents' room and read one of my father's medical books, but we'll see.

Until next time, you sad excuse for a birthday present.

Santana

Your eyes widen at the name, recognizing it as your mamma's. Oh, what a glorious find! To read of your mamma's adventures and escapes as a teenager!

Now, you are keen to stay here as long as it takes, and you turn the next page.