An Ounce of Prevention

Carmen woke to the sound of a bird outside their camper. Hopefully this was the day that they would see the wild horses. They would have to take the van down the road about five miles to the base of a butte. From there they would have to hike up to a vantage point where they could look down on a spring with a pool of water where the horses drank.

They were going to leave Jonathan to watch the other children on the first trip. Alex didn't want Jonathan to go until they were sure of the location. He would go with Alex the next time and Carmen would stay with the children.

Jonathan wasn't crazy about the idea, but he accepted it well enough. He was mature for his age. Alex was teaching him to drive. Jonathan often drove the truck around on the farm to haul hay to the bison. He couldn't get his provisional license for another year, but he could drive if a licensed driver over the age of 21 was with him. By the time he could get a regular license, he would be experienced enough to pass the test.

Alex was quiet when Carmen pulled the van away from the camper. He was in one of his moods again. If she had known he would be this miserable, she would have left him at home. When Alex said he didn't want to do something, but he would, that meant he wasn't going to be happy about it. When Alex wasn't happy, she wasn't going to be either. The children were enjoying the trip, but they'd probably be as happy camping in Arkansas as anywhere else. Jonathan got to see what he wanted, and that was all that really mattered. She made up her mind. They were going to leave tomorrow whether they saw the horses or not.

She parked the van where Mrs. Anderson had indicated and got out. Alex hung a small pair of binoculars from a cord around his neck, and started up the hill. Carmen followed him without comment. She had long ago learned to accept the fact that he was going to "protect" her whether or not she wanted or needed his protection.

It was early and the morning air was still cool. Some kind of animal was chattering under a Palo Verde tree and when she peered to see what it was, a bird ran out and across to a bush. She caught her breath.

"It's a roadrunner!"

Alex nodded, continuing the climb. He probably knew what was making the sound. When he spoke, his voice sounded tired. "We have them in Arkansas too."