I was enjoying the Cubs game at Wrigley Field when a bright light flashed in my face. I rubbed my eyes, blinked a lot to focus my eyes again after the bright flash. I look around and I'm not in Chicago any more.
"Looks like a baron desert. Where am I? This is definitely not Chicago."
I start walking and hope I find some kind of civilization. I stop in my tracks and listen. I hear sounds in the distance. They sound like they're behind me and getting closer. I turn around and see horses coming.
The 3 riders saw me and came to a stop. Unless I was hallucinating, I saw 3 bulls riding horses. They were wearing western wear, including cowboy hats. I noticed a star on the one bull.
"Can I help you, ma'am? Is everything ok?"
"I'm very confused as to where I am. I was watching a baseball game one minute, then I find myself here….wherever here is."
"You're in Moo Mesa, ma'am. I'm Marshal Montana. This is Deputy Dakota and Deputy Cowlorado."
"Nice to meet all of you. I'm Michelle. Michelle Montana."
"Can I ask why you have my last name, ma'am?"
"My parents' last name was Montana. Please call me Michelle. Ma'am makes me feel old."
"Hmm, I wonder about something. Would you mind coming with me to my office? I'd like to ask you more questions."
"Not a problem." Then he helped me up onto his horse.
"Beautiful horse, by the way."
"Thank you. Her name is Cyclone."
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We arrived at the Marshall's office about 45 mins. later. He helped me down from his horse then we walked into the building. I looked around and it definitely looked like it was out of the wild west.
The Marshall walked over to his desk, took his gun belt off and hung it up, then sat down. He rummaged through some old files 'til he found what he was looking for.
"I knew I still had it here."
"Had what?"
"It's a file of my parents. They had given me up when I was a baby. I had been raised mostly in an orphanage outside of here, in a town called Miller Glen. Come take a look."
I walked over and looked at the file he showed me. I was shocked.
"Those are my parents! How the heck is this possible?"
"I'm not sure and unfortunately, I can't ask them. They passed away after I became marshal here."
"Where I'm from, they're still alive. This must be some kind of alternate reality and I could have been sent here for a reason."
"Any ideas?"
"Sorry, but I don't. While we were coming through town, I got strange looks from the folks here. Doesn't look like they take kindly to strangers."
"I think it could be what you're wearing, ma'am. You're wearing city clothes. I know someone who might be able to help you out with some more appropriate clothing."
"I have one stipulation. I don't wear dresses. And don't call me ma'am."
"Neither does she. Come on. I'll take you to her, then we'll come back and get a cold glass of sarsaparilla at the Tumbleweed Saloon."
"Sounds good to me, but, uh…what is sarsaparilla? Is it like root beer?"
"You'll have to taste it for yourself."
We left his office, got on his horse and rode off.
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All I did on the way to wherever we were going, was look around in awe at the fact that I'm in the wild west.
"We're here."
"Nice ranch. Who owns it?"
"Her name is Cowlamity Kate Cudster. Come on. Let's see if she'll let you borrow some clothes while you're here."
We get off his horse and walk up to the door. He knocks and waits for someone to answer.
"Maybe she's out in the barn, feeding her horse. Stay here. I'll be right back."
I nod and watch him walk over to the barn and look inside.
Someone finally came to the door while the marshal was looking in the barn.
That person opened the door and just stared at me.
"Excuse me, but are you Ms. Cudster?"
"How do you know my name? Who are you?"
"The marshal and I came by to see if I could borrow some clothes so I could fit in with everyone in town."
"Moo is with you? Well, why didn't you say so."
"Uhm, I thought I just did. What did you call him?"
"His name is Moo. He didn't tell you his first name?"
I shook my head no. "He introduced himself as Marshal Montana."
Just then, Moo walks up to us. "There you are, Cowlamity. I thought you might have been in the barn, feeding your horse. I see you met Michelle. She's in need of proper attire. Everyone in town was giving her strange looks. It made her feel uneasy."
Cowlamity looked at me. I nodded.
She looked me up and down. "I think I have something that might fit you. You don't look like the type to wear dresses, are you?"
"Nope. I wouldn't wear one even to my own wedding. That's how much I despise them."
Cowlamity invited us in, then closed the door behind us.
"You know, for me being a stranger, you're being awfully nice to me. Thank you."
"I'm always willing to help out someone in need, friend or stranger." Then she headed for her room. I followed right behind her.
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About an hour later, we both walked out of her room. I was wearing black Levi's, black cowboy boots with silver tips, a western shirt that horses running on it, and a black Stetson cowboy hat. Cowlamity even let me borrow one of her rodeo belts and buckle. I looked down at the buckle, then back at her.
"Are you sure you don't mind me borrowing this buckle? You told me Dakota got this for you as a present."
"I know, but it was sitting my drawer, collecting dust. It looks good on you, though."
I smiled and nodded then I heard a whistle. I look over at Moo. He had whistled.
"You look absolutely amazing, Michelle. Now you don't look out of place."
"So true and thank you for the compliment, Moo. Appreciate it. How about that drink?"