Page 41 of Nineteen Letters

On your twelfth birthday, your grandparents bought you a beautiful chestnut mare that had belonged to a friend of Pa’s. You named her Tilly-Girl, and you loved her so much. You would double me around on her for hours. Shewas four years old when you got her, and she had such a gentle nature, just like you.

You two had a special bond. Each time we arrived at the farm, you ran over to the paddock and called out, “Tilly-Girl!” at the top of your lungs. She came bolting towards you from wherever she was, and would do this funny bouncing dance as soon as she saw you. Then, when she calmed down, she would approach you and rub her face against the side of yours. The connection you two had was simply beautiful.

Late one afternoon we emerged from the river after our swim. You walked over to the tree to untie Tilly-Girl’s reins from a branch, while I gathered the blanket and picnic basket. I looked up just in time to see Tilly-Girl rear up on her hind legs, knocking you to the ground.

I stood in shock for a moment—it was so out of character for her—but then I dropped the basket and ran to your side. That’s when I noticed the large eastern brown snake lying in the grass ready to pounce. Its body was coiled into a circle, and its head was raised and aimed straight at you. It’s one of the most venomous snakes in the world, with the potential to kill a human within minutes.

“Don’t move, Jem,” I whispered. “Stay completely still.”

Your eyes widened when I pointed to the snake, less than a metre away. I’ll never forget the look of sheer terror on your face.

I knew I had to act fast, and to say my adrenaline was pumping as my eyes scanned the surrounding foliage was an understatement. I spotted a small boulder a few metres away and, slowly and precisely, I moved towards it. It was heavy, but I picked it up.

“I’m going to count to three,” I said to you once I was in place. “On three I want you to stand up and run as fast as you can towards the river. Okay?” You were too frightened to even speak, so you blinked your eyes a few times instead.

Using all my strength, I lifted the boulder high in the air. “One. Two. Three!” The moment I saw you move out of the corner of my eye, I dropped the boulder. Thank god my aim was spot on because the snake lunged towards you just as the rock came down hard, landing on its head.

When I ran over to you, you fell into my arms and wept. “You saved my life,” you said.

I did what I needed to do to protect you, but you made me feel like a hero.

Ma and Pa were upset when we told them what happened, but Ma gave me an extra slice of apple pie thatnight as a reward for my bravery. Tilly-Girl got an apple for the part she’d played, by knocking you out of the way before you stepped on the snake.

We slept in bunk beds in the spare room when we stayed at your grandparents’ place. That night as I was drifting off to sleep I heard you whisper into the darkness. “I love you, Braxton Spencer.” It was the first time you’d ever said those words out loud.

I pretended not to be awake, so I didn’t have to reply, but let’s just say that night I fell asleep with a huge smile on my face.

What we had is far too beautiful to be forgotten.

Yours always,

Braxton

I read the letter one more time before eagerly searching inside the bottom of the envelope for my charms. I grin when I find a tiny apple, as well as a beautiful horse.

I wonder what happened to my Tilly-Girl?

Chapter 17

Braxton

Iwait until the doctor does his morning rounds, checking on my dad before I duck home to shower and change. I’m eager to get to Christine’s house to see my girl. She promised me a hug today, and although I don’t hold out high hopes that I’ll get one, the texts she sent me yesterday were enough to boost my spirits.

I remain relatively calm on my drive over there. I’m trying not to expect too much; I’ve had enough letdowns in the past few months to last me a lifetime. But I’m grateful she still wants me in her life.

“Morning,” I say as I get out of the car and walk towards the house.

“Morning,” she replies as she descends the front steps. There’s a sweet smile on her face that warms my heart.

I don’t seem to hurt as much now when I look at her, because she seems happier. The sadness she carried after the accident was hard to witness.

I offer my hand to her when she reaches the last step, and she takes it willingly.

“How are you feeling today?” I ask.

“Good … really good.” Her gaze moves down to the path below as she comes to a stop beside me. “I believe I owe you ahug.” She looks unsure as her big brown eyes finally lift to meet mine.

“You don’t have to hug me if it makes you feel uncomfortable, Jem.”