But peace on the plains never lasted long.
A few weeks later, a stranger rode up to the ranch — a slick man with a cruel smile and a wide-brimmed hat.
Ethan stiffened. “What do you want, Travis?”
“I came to remind you,” the man said, “you still owe me two cattle. Pay up by Monday, or I’ll come take whatever’s worth something — including your help.”
Ethan’s eyes darkened. “Don’t talk about her.”
Travis just laughed and rode away.
That night, Clara found Ethan sitting on the porch, shoulders heavy with defeat.
“Who was that man?” she asked.
“A vulture,” Ethan muttered. “He helped when the ranch was falling apart. Now he wants to finish what’s left.”
“Then let me help,” she said. “I can bake bread, sell it in town, feed travelers. Please — let me try.”
“Do what you want,” he said finally. “But be careful.”
“I will,” she promised.
Bread, Courage, and Hope
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