A Basketful of Trouble

 by Faith H. (ages 14-17)

–Fresno Valley, California, 1895 

 

With a smile playing on her lips, 27-year-old Andrea Carter Prescott pushed open the creaking bedroom door. Her thoughtful blue eyes sparkled. This was her favorite part of the day. The little chubby hands that patted her cheeks and the delightful little voices bidding ‘mama’ goodnight.  

The room was cloaked in darkness except for a single window that portrayed a handful of stars. Rain began to patter against the windowpane, and Andi drew the curtain.  

In the center of the room sat a large bed holding two little bodies and blankets in disarray. She reached to tuck the thick quilt around her 7-year-old son’s neck. 

“Lily’s still in the barn, mama,” whispered a girlish voice from the other side of the bed. 

Andi smiled. 

“Mama, Lily’s still in the barn with her cat,” 4-year-old Lottie repeated. “Jared’s asleep but can I go out with her?” 

“Silly girl,” Andi whispered, grinning. “No, you stay all snuggled up. Lily will be in in a moment.” She bent and placed a kiss on the child’s forehead. 

“G’night mommy,” Lottie piped, blue eyes twinkling and voice muffled from beneath blankets. “I love you a lot.” 

“Goodnight, darling.” Andi hummed a soft song then, shutting the door behind her, went to the kitchen.  

There was an unlatching sound and the door burst open, bringing a cold spring breeze into the kitchen. Riley stepped into the cozily lit room, his eyes lighting up when he saw his wife. 

“There’s a storm at hand,” he said after he kissed Andi’s cheek. “Should roll in tomorrow morning.” 

Andi shivered. “Hopefully not a lightning storm.” 

Riley chuckled. 

“Riley, is Lily still in the barn?” 

“Yes, I told her to come in in a few minutes.” He poured steaming coffee into a mug. “That cat of hers will probably give birth soon.” 

Riley noticed as Andi bit her lip thoughtfully. He set down his coffee and came over to her. “What is it, honey?” 

“We already have two cats roaming about the barn,” she began, her eyebrows drawn together attentively. “And, honestly, I'm concerned about Lottie’s allergy. It tears my heart to see her face swell. But how can I tell Lily she can’t keep her kittens?” 

Riley was quiet for a moment. “Well,” he said slowly, “what if she only keeps one? Then we would have three cats. Lottie can avoid that many, I’m sure.” He gave a sly grin. 

Andi cocked her head at her husband, eyes twinkling. “I don’t deserve you.” 

Riley laughed as he lovingly looked at her. “Neither do I deserve you, but God was good enough to give you to me.”  

Andi silently thanked God for her sweet husband while slipping her arm around his. “You’re right. Lottie can avoid three cats,” she agreed laughingly. “But you’re going to have to tell Lily.” 

Riley chuckled. “All right.” 

The door opened again and this time 4-year-old Lillian, Lottie’s twin, stepped inside. She looked up at her parents and put on a sweet smile. “Dotty hasn’t had her kittens yet, but I really think she’ll have them tonight. Can I please sleep out there with her?” she implored. “Please?” 

Andi took her daughter’s tiny, warm hands in her own. “Do you feel your hands?” Lily nodded. “Well, that’s because you are inside. If you slept outside, they would be nuuuumb.” Andi pretended she was shivering making Lily giggle. 

Riley cleared his throat. “Lily,” he began.  

Andi winced. Here it comes.  

“Sweetie, you can’t keep all Dotty’s kittens. You may keep one, though,” Riley said, straight to the point. Lily’s blue eyes widened. “You see, Lottie could get sick if she gets too close to one and you wouldn’t want that to happen, would you?” 

Lily slowly shook her head, eyes filling with tears. “I may keep only one?” 

Riley nodded. 

Lily swallowed. “Oh.” 

He kissed her cheek. “Goodnight, honey.”

Looking downcast, she murmured, “Goodnight, Mama. G’night Daddy.” And, without another word, she ran out of the room. 

Andi sighed. “I would’ve said a lot more than ‘G’night’ if I was told I could only keep one kitten when I was her age.” 

“Well,” Riley yawned. “She can visit them at the Circle C. Chad won’t mind having a few more cats roaming round’ his place.” 

____________________ 

 

A door banged open jerking Andi awake.  

“Mama! Mama!” 

Andi yelped in surprise. Lily was standing beside the bed, shaking her mother’s arm. 

“Lily, sweetie, what is it?”  

“It’s Dotty! I think she’s having her kittens!” 

Andi stepped into her slippers. “Did you go check on her?” 

“No, but I can feel it!” Lillian’s eyes were wide with excitement.  Her jacket was already on. “Come out with me, won’t you? Please, Mama?” 

Andi yawned but relented to her daughter’s pleading. She slipped on a thick coat and took Lily’s hand before stepping out into the cold. A rush of cold wind blew against them. Lily clung tightly to Andi’s hand.  

At last, the pair reached the barn. The moment the door was thrown open, Lily dashed to the stall where her cat was situated. A squeal of delight burst from her lips. 

“Mama! Mama, come quick!” she practically screeched. “Dotty’s had her kittens!” 

Andi smiled. 

Amidst sweet-smelling straw sat a basket, presenting a fat tabby cat nursing a litter of tiny kittens. Lily threw open the stall and, plopping down in the straw, gazed tenderly at the scene. Her lips moved softly then she looked up at Andi, beaming. 

“There’s four!” she said fondly.  

“Wow!” 

Andi and Lily jumped. It was Jared. 

“Jared Riley Prescott, what are you doing out of bed?” Andi demanded of her son.

Jared grinned, revealing a missing bottom tooth. “Well, I saw Lily crawl out of bed, so I followed her. Is it okay?” Andi nodded and Jared eagerly joined Lily in the stall. “They sure are beauties.” 

Suddenly one of the kittens turned from nursing Dotty and wobbled pathetically toward Lily. Lily’s blue eyes lit up. 

“He likes me!” she squealed. 

“He sure does,” Andi replied, smiling.  

“I heard you talking in your sleep last night about the kittens, Lily,” Jared chuckled. “So, which one are you going to keep?” He questioned bluntly. 

Lily’s countenance fell for a moment. “Well...” her voice softly drifted off.  

“Jared, Lily, come,” Andi waved for her children to return with her to the house. 

“Mother, I want to stay with Dotty and her kittens! Please, may I?” Lily begged. 

Andi shook her head. “No, it’s much too cold now. My hands are freezing! Dotty and the kittens will still be here in the morning but, right now, they need to rest. All right?” 

Lily nodded solemnly. Jared hopped up and slipped out of the stall while Lily lingered.  

Biting her lip, Lily began, “Mama, I—” then just as suddenly, she stopped as a strange look passed over her face. Then, in a sad voice, “May we go inside?” 

“Of course,” Andi said, opening the barn door and stepping into the cold, spring wind. 

____________________ 

 

The little flame came to life and Andi, blowing hair from her face, regarded the black beast with a satisfied smile. At last!  

She reached to plop a tray of biscuits into the oven when, all at once, a great clap of thunder struck the air. Startled and surprised, she jumped, dropping the sheet of biscuit dough onto the floor. 

“Ooh!” she frowned. Bother this storm. It’s shattering my nerves! 

Gathering her apron, she bent and began salvaging the biscuit dough. Riley slid from his seat at the table and joined Andi in cleaning up the mess.  

“I’m sorry, honey,” Andi glanced at Riley. 

He shrugged, his eyes twinkling. “That’s okay, I don’t mind a little dust in my biscuits and gravy.” 

A duo of tramping footsteps echoed through the hall as two children burst into the kitchen. 

Lottie squealed. “The storm!”  

“Isn’t it glorious?” Jared piped. 

“And the kittens!” Lottie’s eyes were sparkling wildly, her dark brown braids bouncing about her shoulders. “Jared said they were born last night!” 

Andi laughed. “Yes, they were! And you can go out and see them, at a safe distance, of course, after breakfast.” 

Lottie nodded all smiles. 

“When is breakfast, Mama?” Jared inquired instantly. 

“Quite soon.” Andi picked up the last biscuit and stood up. “Is Lily coming?” 

“Why, no, Mama,” Jared said slowly, “We thought she was out here. She’s not in our room.” 

Riley and Andi exchanged worried glances. Both parents had been awake for nearly two hours and neither had seen Lily. 

“I’ll check in the barn,” Riley said coolly. “Perhaps she’s out with Dotty.” 

But when he returned minutes later, the look on his face said he’d been wrong.  

Taking his wife aside, he said in an even voice, “Andi, I looked all around outside. I don’t see her anywhere.” His tone was calm, but his expression betrayed his concern. 

“I searched all around the house as well.” A knot of worry settled into Andi’s stomach. “But her coat’s on the hook.”  

“There’s more, my dear,” Riley said, his face unchanging. “The kittens are gone, too. Dotty is all by herself in the stall.” 

Andi gasped. Her face paled. “Oh, Riley, where is she?” 

“She’s run off with her kittens.” He ran his hand through his hair. “In this storm, anything could happen. Can you stay with the children? I’ll gather a few ranch hands and we’ll look for her.” 

Andi swallowed. “Riley, I’ll come too.” Lord, keep my little girl safe. 

“No, darling, stay behind with Jared and Charlotte,” he said. “Perhaps she’ll show up here.” 

Reluctantly, she nodded. It was logical, but her mind hurled a hundred scary scenarios at her thoughts.  

“We’ll come back with her, Andi.” Riley kissed her cheek then was gone. 

Rain poured steadily and sounded like pattering thunder on the roof. Jared and Lily ate their breakfast without a word until Lily glanced at her mother. 

“Mama, is Lily lost?” 

Andi nodded. “We need to pray your Daddy finds her quickly.” 

Jared immediately bowed his head. “God, please bring Lily back to us. I promise not to tease her for— for a whole week if you do. Please keep Daddy and Lily safe. Amen.” 

It was a simple prayer, yet it touched Andi. A tear stole down her cheek. She looked out the window so as not to betray her feelings to her children.  

Yes, Lord, lead Riley to Lillian. Help them find my baby girl. 

As if in answer, a great streak of lightning blazed momentarily in the sky. It was followed moments later by a blaring clap of thunder. Lottie ran to Andi’s side and began to sob. 

Andi gave her a warm hug. “Shh, shh, it’ll be all right. Daddy will bring Lily back,” she comforted Lottie while trying to keep from bursting. I can’t stay here and not do anything!

‘In this storm, anything could happen...’ were those the words Riley had said not half an hour ago? 

            Then something caught Andi’s eye. It was a small frame hanging near the stove with Isaiah 41:10 on it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you…”

            Andi closed her eyes and took a calming breath. Thank you for that reminder, Lord.

The storm continued and rain streamed down the kitchen window.  

Andi resolved to wait patiently and perhaps read the children a book. It was much too stormy to keep them occupied with barn chores. Lottie ran happily to fetch a storybook, forgetting her earlier distress. 

Andi sat on the sofa and Jared and Lottie plopped down on the floor. They read for ten minutes then Lottie suddenly jumped up. 

“Mama, I’m ready to do something else now,” she chirped. “May I go ride?” 

Andi shared her daughter’s restlessness. She went to the window and began pacing the kitchen, praying as she did so. She was about to throw on her coat and go look around herself when, at last, the sound of trotting horses met her ears.  

Relief flooded her mind as she ushered Jared and Lottie into their room then ran and hurled open the door. Through the pouring rain, she saw Riley slide from his saddle. He threw Dakota’s reins aside and hurried inside carrying a drenched, shivering Lily. 

 His eyebrows were drawn together. Andi’s hand flew to her mouth when she saw Lily’s pale face. Sobs and heavy shivers were shaking Lily’s little body and her breathing sounded strained and forced. 

“Oh, my dear,” Andi gasped.

“I sent a ranch hand for the doctor,” he said, walking quickly toward the sofa. 

Andi’s heart raced. She ran ahead of Riley and grabbed dry clothes for Lily. The unconscious and tear-stained girl was soon dressed and wrapped in a blanket on the sitting room sofa. 

“She’s burning with fever,” Riley noted anxiously, his hand on Lily’s forehead. 

Andi hurried to get a damp cloth and cool Lily’s face.  

Holding his child’s limp hand, Riley prayed solemnly, “Lord, protect my little girl.”  

Andi gazed at him through a curtain of unshed tears and whispered, “What happened?” 

He looked up at Andi. “We looked all around for half an hour until I finally found her drenched and freezing near the back horse pasture. She was carrying that—” he paused and motioned to a brown bag on the table Andi hadn’t noticed before, “and was sobbing that there was only one kitten left in it. She'd lost all but one. Andi, she thought we were going to kill the rest and that’s why she ran away.” He shook his head sadly.  

Andi placed her hand on his shoulder. 

All they could do for the following hour was keep Lily warm with blankets and try to force hot tea through her colorless lips.

When Riley said he could take over for a little, Andi filled an orange crate with soft straw for the kitten and created a little nest for it to lay in, though she doubted it would even survive.  

At least its heart is beating, she thought, feeling a soft little pulse with her finger. 

After what seemed like an eternity, there was the sound of a buggy pulling up. Riley jumped to his feet and welcomed Doc Weaver in from the rain.  

“Mr. and Mrs. Prescott,” Doc greeted, with a serious but courteous nod, “how do you do?”  

Andi silently thanked God that Doc’s buggy hadn’t gotten stuck in the mud. 

“Is this our patient?”  

Riley quickly filled him in on all the details as Doc approached the couch. He spent a few minutes studying her symptoms and listening to her breathing, then turned and met Riley and Andi with a grave look.  

“I’m afraid she’s caught a case of pneumonia,” he said gravely, “Thank God it’s merely a mild one, but, still, it is serious.” 

“Oh, my baby,” Andi held back tears.  

Riley squeezed her hand. “What can we do?” 

“Watch her. I’ll leave this bottle of medicine with you,” he said, reaching into his black bag. “If her breathing gets any worse, fetch me. That’s the worst thing about pneumonia, you see it affects your lungs. May I be blunt?”

“Of course,” Riley nodded.

“She was outside in this storm for far too long. The likely hood is that she’ll recuperate shortly, and all will be well. But there is also the possibility that she won't recover. We’ll just have to wait and see.” 

“And pray,” Riley added quietly. 

“Yes, of course. Always,” Doc agreed. “Keep her warm and replace the cool cloth on her forehead. I will come by two or three times a week, but, again, fetch me immediately if either her breathing or fever worsens. We must be vigilant if she is to regain full health.” 

“We won’t leave her side,” Andi assured. Her face had lost its color, but her voice was steady.  

The doctor gave an encouraging look and nodded. “I’m sure you won’t.” 

Great to the surprise of both Andi and Riley, the kitten awakened later that awful day and both Lottie and Jared took it upon themselves to nurse Lily’s lonely kitten back to full health.  

For the next couple of weeks, Lily was constantly in and out of consciousness and delirium. Andi’s heart tore when she saw her little girl’s chest heave, struggling for air.  

Riley left the running of the ranch mostly to the ranch hands and spent every minute he could by the sitting room sofa. They worked a sort of system where he and Andi would take shifts watching Lily, dripping medicine through her lips on a schedule and sometimes reading aloud to her.  

Fifteen days after the dreaded diagnosis found Andi kneeling beside the sofa, clinging to Lily’s cold little hand. Tears ran down her cheeks as she lifted her face. 

Lord, heal my daughter. Please take this horrible infection from Lily’s body!

Just when Andi began to fear for Lily’s life, the fever suddenly broke. Crying and relieved, Andi placed her hand on her patient’s forehead and found it no longer burning. Later that day Lily’s breathing improved. 

“Thank you, Lord!” Andi whispered gratefully. 

From then on it was obvious Lily was on the road toward recovery. A week after her fever broke, she was sitting on the sofa and stroking her kitten. He was a handsome little fellow with his keen green eyes and soft grey coat. 

“I’m going to call him Dusty,” Lily announced happily, “because he looks like he fell down a chimney and came out all dirty!”  

Lottie giggled. “I love it!” 

____________________ 

 

The California sun splashed its wild rays down on Memory Creek Ranch as a shiny black buggy pulled into the yard. Doctor Weaver stepped down from it and Riley ran from the barn to meet him. 

“Morning, Doc!” He welcomed lightheartedly. 

“Good morning, Riley,” Doctor Weaver greeted in a cheerful tone. “I take it our patient is doing better?” 

A minute later, he listened to Lily’s heart rate and breathing while Andi looked on with bated breath. At last, he put aside his stethoscope and looked at Lily with a satisfied smile.  

“Congratulations, young lady! It would appear that God has something better planned for you.”  

He stood and faced her parents. “Well, she’s doing much better! She shouldn’t go outside just yet; I think for another week. Then, of course, we must encourage her strength to fully return. But all in all, she’s out of the woods.” 

“Thank the Lord,” Riley sighed in relief and gratefully shook his hand. 

“Indeed,” the doctor nodded, “and, with that, I will take my leave,” he tipped his hat. “Good day Mrs. Prescott!” 

Riley left to show Doc out to his buggy and Andi slid beside Lily on the couch. She kissed her cheek.  

“You hear that Lily?” she encouraged. “Just a bit longer and you can play outside!” 

Lily nodded slowly. 

“Is something the matter?” 

Lily looked up and Andi saw tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mama,” she said shamefully, “It was wicked of me to run away like that, even if I did think you were going to kill my kittens. I just hope you and Daddy can forgive me. Can God forgive me?” She sniffed back a tear. “He must be so angry. Mama, I’m ever so sorry.” 

“You’re forgiven, Lily.” Andi’s eyes sparkled. “Have you asked God to forgive you?” Lily nodded. “Then He already forgives you! He loves you so much, Lily. He always will.”  She wrapped her in a tight embrace, a tear rolling down her chin. “Lord, thank you so much for healing my daughter,” she quietly prayed. 

“And Dusty,” Lily added. 

Andi smiled. “And Dusty.”