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In sorrow he lives. A man, a good man, hard working, kind, generous and happily married. They were parents of a toddler, he spoiled her. Spring planted had been finished, calves and lambs had been born. He was especially proud of the mare he saved from slaughter, she birthed a fine colt. All it took was time, food and love to bring the mare to full health. This feisty colt was the payment for his patience and love. All was in place and there was a lull in the families duties. They decided to go to the nearest town, there was a festival going on and he felt it was a good time to just enjoy themselves. And they did, the daughter was sound asleep in her father's arms, the wife walked next to him, worn out, hardly staying awake. He laid his daughter in the back of the wagon and helped his wife next to her. He was happy, content, fulfilled. He gathered the reins and snapped them lightly on the horse's back. The gelding started off at a leisurely walk, taking quick mouthfuls of grass as they went along. Sleep came upon the man so he didn't know what or how it happened. The gelding had been spooked by something and took off, throwing the man from the wagon. His wife and child were still in the back, screaming and crying. He tried to stand but could not. He tried to call the horse to him, but his voice didn't reach the terrified animal. The man laid there, watching as the horse got to close to the side of the road, he watched the wheels leave the hard packed road and for a split second he thought maybe the cart would right itself. But it didn't. He watched as the horse lost its footing and take a bad fall, pulling the cart over onto it's side and almost in slow motion, dump his family out and then roll over them. None of the three moved and his screams continued until he lost consciousness. He awoke, laying on a pallet in a great hall. Beside him crouched a physician checking on him. He asked quietly about his wife and child. The look the doctor shared with the lord of the manor told him everything. The tears started and a great heaving seized his chest. He watched his family buried on a sunny section of land. He stood there as the grave was filled, as the sun set and then rose. He stared at the mound, not knowing what to do. He found it hard to believe they were gone, he felt his life was over. He would never find happiness again. He would never be the same again. Sorrow filled his heart and all he could do was cry. /|\ Vangki | |