My Whole World. Episode 3.
My Whole World is the sixth series in the Dusty Town original historical fiction sequence written by Mary Ann DiLorenzo. Set in rural Kansas just prior to the turn of the century and continuing through the early 1900s, the series follows the Strong family through the challenges and joys of life in Midwest America.
Uncertain About Everything. Episode 3.
Uncertain About Everything.
Soon their porch sitting was done, and Jacob and Betty Lou decided to turn in for the night. “You gonna be alright son?” Jacob asked.
“I reckon so Pa.”
“You want to stay here with us tonight?”
“I’ll go back to the house in a little while. I’ll just sit here for a spell longer, if’n that’s okay.”
“Stay as long as you want son. We are right inside if you need anything.”
“Thanks Pa, and thank you both for everything.” With that Willie hugged Jacob and Betty Lou good night. And Willie was left alone with his thoughts.
The night sounds soothed his weary soul. The rural Kansas evenings at their farm had always brought happiness to him and his family. And Willie just couldn’t understand why Sue would leave it all behind, despite all the hard times and heartache farming all too often brings. There is just something about the land and the freedom you can feel when you wrap yourself in it. Willie got up then and started walking through the fields of their farm, along the same dusty path his pa often walked in his pa’s earlier days when he would be restless and uncertain about things too.
After a bit, once the night had settled in and blanketed the land, he went back to the porch and continued his thinking. He looked up at the stars in the clear sky and wondered if Jake was doing that too from wherever he was that night. His boy wanted nothing but to ride horses and now his boy would be in the city far away, discovering automobiles and hustle and bustle and all that a city life provides. Willie laughed to himself, and thought, Jake won’t even be able to see the stars anymore, much less ride horses. And then Willie’s thoughts turned to sadness.
Willie wasn’t crying when Betty Lou quietly stepped out on the porch to check on him, until she looked at him with those knowing eyes and heart of hers. Betty Lou hugged him then and Willie’s tears flowed freely.
“Will it be alright Betty Lou?” he asked. “Will I really know what to do? How to go on?”
With confidence she looked at Willie and replied, “Yes, you will.”
Willie dried his eyes on his shirt sleeve and summoned some resolve. “Reckon I’ll head back now and turn in myself. Thanks for checking on me Betty Lou. You are one special lady.”
Betty Lou smiled and gave him one last hug as he turned to go. “Better days are ahead, wait and see. Things’ll turn out just fine, may not look that way now, but everything has a way of turning out for the best. Your father and I are here for you, always, don’t forget that.”
Willie smiled holding back tears, hugged Betty Lou once more, and quietly called out good night as he went slowly down the dusty path back across the fields to the old farmhouse he and his family had called home.
He looked back to where Betty Lou was still standing, watching him go. She waved and he waved back. Betty Lou kept waving until she could see him no more in the darkness.
Previous Episodes of My Whole World
And Just Like That, Everything’s Changed. Episode 1.
Feeling a Glimmer of Hope. Episode 2.