Shotgun
2168
The shotgun was heavy in her hands. She held it awkwardly, not knowing where to hold it that wouldn't set it off accidentally or something. That's all she needed, to accidentally shoot her foot off. She could see the headline now: Mindoir Teen Shoots off Foot Without Touching the Trigger!
Her father laughed.
"Hold it here," he moved her hands, "and here." Matt grinned down at her, beaming with pride. "There's no need to be afraid of guns, sweat pea. Have a healthy respect for them, yes, but don't be afraid. Besides, only blanks today, until you learn to handle it."
Andie struggled with the unfamiliar weight.
"I don't see why the Patels can't repair their fences. It seems really silly to have Marie and me 'patrolling' one of the fields."
Her father hesitated.
"They are going to get it repaired, but it's…" He paused and seemed to pick his words carefully. "Well, it's an expensive fix and smart families are careful with the money they spend. A week or two of patrolling isn't going to waste your whole summer. Besides," he continued with a grin, "it's useful. You never know when it might come in handy and not just for keeping feral yeks at bay." He put a comforting hand on her skinny fourteen-year-old shoulder. "It's just a skill, sweet pea. With any luck it'll just be something you can have in common with your brother and you'll never have to use it."
Andie nodded. It had only been a few months since Erik had left for boot camp on Earth. Earth. It was strange to think of her brother on humanity's birth place. From what she'd heard, it was crowded and smelly. He'd been too busy to send more than a couple of audio letters saying that he'd arrived safely and that training was hard.
Things had changed. Erik was gone… it was as if a literal page had been turned and her childhood was officially over.
"Now," Matt said, gesturing at the target he'd set up, "get into your stance… watch your hands…"
Andie cocked the gun, inhaling through her nose. Nerves unsettled her stomach, but her hands were strangely steady. Her finger twitched toward the trigger… BOOM. The recoil nearly knocked her off her feet, but her father steadied her, settling his hands on her shoulders.
"Not bad, kiddo," Matt said with a grin. "Now that you're used to the recoil, see if you can stand up by yourself this time."
Andie laughed and her nervous tension disappeared. She cocked the gun again, sighting down the barrel at the bale of hay. Ready or not, the future was coming. She may as well meet it.