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"Have fun but keep your wits about you."
"Oh, she'll be alright. Hurry along now, dear."
Those were the last words Sydney heard from her parents amid the goodbyes and the cheers of her siblings. She left them for the first time in her life during the wee hours yet it seemed a lifetime ago. Sydney was on her own.
There were two older brothers, Sydney, then two more brothers. These fours sons worked with their father cutting and delivering timber. Then the second daughter, Lindsey, who had just turned twelve last week. She was now old enough to handle all the responsibilities of caring for the five youngest children. Forever etched in Sydney’s memory is Lindsey’s proud little face as she stood by their mother, so glad to be able to do her part.
Hours and miles sped by as the trusty pony, Clyde, kept a steady pace. Sydney could hardly believe how quiet the daytime actually was. It was almost deafening. Her ears were forever filled with talking, squabbling, crying, and joking voices.
In almost perfect timing, Sydney’s stomach grumbled painfully as she neared an inn-The Golden Perch. She could hear all the talk and movement going on inside, “Ah, music to my ears”. She tethered Clyde to the post and stepped through the door.
Loud sounds are familiar but this sight was so foreign! There were beings here that she had only heard of. Quickly Sydney found a table out of the way. She tried to act like she had done this before but the big cheesy grin gave evidence to the rising excitement inside her.
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