An Ounce of Prevention

"Why do you want to see the desert?"

Carmen glanced at them. Alex was looking at the map and Jonathan was looking at Alex.

Jonathan shrugged. "I don't know. I guess because it's so different. It intrigues me. I've read a lot about it."

Alex shifted his attention from the map to Jonathan. "It's a good idea to learn all you can about the area you're going to visit. You never know what might happen."

Carmen opened a suitcase and laid out clothes for the twins. Of course Alex was right. She had given a lot of consideration to their destination, but most of it was about roads and where they would find horses. Alex looked at everything as though it was a major life decision. Yes, something could happen and they should be prepared, but it wouldn't be much of a vacation if they were continually worrying about every possibility. He was seeing only the negative and none of the positive aspects of traveling. He didn't anticipate what was around the corner or over the next hill. He was apprehensive about what he might find. Would he ever relax and simply enjoy the trip?

Destiny climbed on the bed beside Carmen. "Jonathan has two beds in his room. Can I sleep on one of them tonight?"

Jonathan looked up. "I'll make sure she goes to bed early."

Carmen looked at Alex. "What do you think?"

He shrugged. "I don't see why not. They're in the next room. Is that so different than being in another bedroom at home? You worry too much."

Carmen sighed. "All right," she told Destiny, "but you do what Jonathan tells you to do."

After Carmen got the twins out of the tub, into their pajamas and into the bed, Matthew looked up at her. "When are we going to camp, Mama. We're in Arizona, aren't we?"

Carmen tucked the blanket under his chin and kissed him. "Maybe tomorrow night. We'll have to see how things work out."

They were already a day behind schedule. If it took as long to get back to Arkansas as it did to get this far, their camping time had already been cut to six days. The way things were going, they'd be lucky if they wound up with five days. If they didn't have to return the van, they could fly back. Maybe they could arrange something with the rental company. They'd have to pay more, but… She sighed. They would address that if and when the situation warranted. There was no point in thinking about it now.

The next morning they packed all their things and started out again. This time Carmen was driving. Alex held the map as if he expected to discover an alternate route. They didn't need to get gas in Springerville, but Alex insisted on filling up.