A Man’s Work

It was Pa broke down when the government man left. Ma was steel-eyed and cold. She gave me that look of hers, looked quick to Pa, slumped useless head in hands, then back over to me.

She didn’t need to say anything more. I’d heard the what the government man said same as she had. If we didn’t take care of this, they would, and charge us in the bargain.

I got down the rifle from the pegs. I’d be fourteen in a month, and that was old enough to do a man’s work, even if I was a girl.

 

Friday Fictioneers

Photo Credit: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

14 comments

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  1. michael1148humphris

    Very well done, this story created a very clear picture of how three individuals reacted to bad news. Liked the twist at the end.

  2. Joy Pixley

    Another vote for a great character voice; absolutely love that last line. Nothing in the story hints directly at it, but combined with the photo… I’m going to assume that the horses are sick and that’s why they need to be put down. Sad work, indeed.

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