Chapter 26
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - June 1874
Teresa's heart ached for Violette. The grief on her friend's face mirrored a pain Teresa knew all too well – the loss of a sister. Though Teresa was much younger when Louise left the orphanage, the memory still held a sharp sting. Yet, the moment Louise had reappeared years ago, rescuing them both from the clutches of Boggs, all resentment had evaporated.
Louise, never admitted it, but Teresa and Jeremiah knew the truth – Boggs was their father. Teresa could never express enough gratitude for her sister's bravery that day. Even though they had to return to the orphanage for a short while, Louise had kept her promise. Right before the war erupted, she'd returned with Kid, finally claiming them as her family.
While Teresa's anger towards Louise had vanished instantly, Jeremiah harbored resentment for many years. To everyone's surprise, Kid had enlisted with the Union army, a shocking choice for a southern boy. But the years he'd spent away from home, especially the year as an express rider, had opened his eyes to the world beyond their limited experience.
Buck had enlisted first, becoming a Union scout. It wasn't until six months later that Kid, driven by a newfound sense of purpose, had joined the Union cause as well. Both men were fortunate to return from the war largely unscathed physically, but the mental and emotional scars remained, a constant reminder of the brutality they'd witnessed.
It was shortly after Kid's return that a true connection formed between Jeremiah and Louise. Kid became a source of admiration for Jeremiah and the bond between brother and sister grew stronger.
Seeing Violette sobbing into her pillow tore at Teresa's heart. Louise had insisted that Violette stay with them instead of facing the empty hotel room alone. Teresa hadn't minded sharing her room – the idea of having another sister, even for a short while, was a comforting thought. She crept across the wooden floor, expertly navigating the creaking boards. Silently reaching the bed, she sat beside Violette and began stroking her friend's long brown hair.
"Buck will find her, Vee," Teresa murmured, her voice a soothing balm.
Violette lifted her head, her eyes filled with fear. "I know he will," she choked out, "but what if…" her voice trailed off, the unspoken question hanging heavy in the air.
Teresa, understanding the unspoken terror, crawled closer and wrapped Violette in a tight embrace. "Don't even think that way," she whispered firmly. "You need to have faith. God will watch over her."
Violette hesitated. "I wasn't raised with religion," she admitted, clinging to Teresa for comfort. "We never went to church. My father didn't believe in it."
Sadness tugged at Teresa's heart. "I'm sorry," she murmured, gently rocking Violette back and forth. "But if you'd like, I can teach you how to pray."
Violette's brow furrowed. "Is that like wishing on a star?" She asked innocently.
Teresa smiled softly. "No," she explained, taking Violette's hands in hers. "It's more like talking to… someone bigger than ourselves. Someone who cares for us and can offer comfort and strength."
In a hushed and tender voice, Teresa began to explain. She shared how, even as a lonely child in the orphanage, she found comfort in a quiet belief that her sister would one day come back. It was a belief that had sustained her, and now, she hoped it might offer Violette solace as well.
Later that night, bathed in the soft glow of the oil lamp, the two girls sat on the bed, hands clasped together. Teresa, her voice gentle and sincere, guided Violette through her first prayer, a plea for hope and strength amidst the uncertainty.