A Call from the Past - April 2026 Story Prompt

 by Ava age 13

Andrea Prescott spun around from where she stood grooming Sunny when she heard Macy gasp. She followed Macy’s gaze and what she saw made her blood turn cold. One lone rider was galloping up the road, but in that moment, one was way too many for Andi. She recognized the rider, and that was what frightened her most. “Wh-What are we going to do?” asked Macy, her voice quivering. “Umm….” Andi quickly wracked her brain and then said, “Run and tell Riley I need him. You stay in the house with the twins and Jared.”

When Macy hesitated, Andi gave her a slight nudge that sent her running toward the house where Riley was watching and probably playing with their children Jared, Lottie and Lily. As the rider drew closer, Andi nervously gripped Sunny’s mane and wondered what was taking Riley so long. “Well, if Riley doesn’t come soon I can at least jump on Sunny’s back and flee,” she thought and was about to follow through with her plan. Abruptly she stopped herself realizing how silly it was to flee. “Jase could just shoot me, I know that he is the least violent of Macy’s brothers, but I did take their sister away from them, sorta.” Andi still remembered the day when she had attempted to rescue all the horses, which Macy’s brothers had stolen from Circle C Ranch. Chills ran down her spine as she remembered that miserable night.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Riley came out of the house, his hands tucked in his pocket and whistling merrily. “What does he think he’s doing? Jase might hear him!” Andi thought worriedly as he crossed the yard. “What’s the matter? Macy came racing to the house like a bear was chasing her,” he asked casually.

“That’s what the matter.” Andi said, nodding over his shoulder toward the coming rider. 

Turning around, Riley saw the rider and remarked, “Well, it looks like we have a visitor. Do you think he will stay for supper?” 

“Riley, that’s Macy’s brother, Jase!” Andi whispered in fear. 

Riley looked startled, but he only said, “Don’t worry.” Riley gripped Andi’s shoulder reassuringly, as Jase galloped into the yard. 

“Howdy folks!” He called unmounting and walking toward them. 

“Howdy,” Riley replied stiffly. “I’m looking for Andrea Carter, do you know where she lives?” he inquired, not noticing their stiffness. 

“Why are you looking for her?” Andi asked suspiciously. 

“It’s a long story. Do you think I could find her by dark?” 

Andi smiled in spite of her worries and replied, “I don’t know anyone by the name Andrea Carter, but I’m Andrea Prescott.” 

“Oh, that’s why everyone in town told me they didn’t know anybody by the name of Andrea Carter.” Jase said suddenly understanding. “I’m sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Jase Walker, Macy’s brother. Do you remember her?” 

“Oh, yes. I remember her quite well.” Andi answered quickly, the memories of the rustlers still clear in her mind. “By the way, this is my husband, Riley Prescott.” She added now smiling broadly.  

“Why are you looking for my wife?” Riley asked coldly instead of shaking Jase’s hand.  

Jase dropped his hand to his side and sighed. “I see that Mrs. Prescott told you about me. After our trial all three of us brothers were sentenced to ten years in prison, but on the way to Sacramento, Ty and Rudy tried to escape. I was going to slip away in the confusion, but something went wrong and Ty and Rudy were both killed. I decided it wasn’t worth trying.” 

Jase’s voice grew quiet and hard to hear when he came to that part. “Life went on and for nine years I sat rotting in prison, waiting to get out and pay you back for making us get caught. Then at the beginning of the tenth year, I got really sick, and wouldn’t have recovered except for a man, who gave me some medicine. I didn’t get better at first, and as chills and fevers shook my body, fear gripped me. I didn’t want to die alone and drowning in my sins. I called on the name of the Lord and He saved me.

I slowly got better, and when I was released I started searching for you for two reasons. I wanted to tell you, I’m sorry and ask you to forgive me and I was wondering if you know where Macy is living now. Mrs. Prescott, I’m really sorry about you nearly getting killed and I hope you will forgive me.” Andi was so amazed that at first she couldn’t find her voice. Finally, she managed to say, “I forgive you Jase, and I’m sure Macy will to.” “I hope so,” Jase replied with a weak smile.

Two days later, Macy and Jase were packed and waiting to board the train, headed for Fayetteville, Arkansas. Andi was so glad that Jase had truly changed and even more glad that Macy had forgiven him. As Andi and Macy hugged one last time, Macy whispered in Andi’s ear, “Thank you so much for letting me stay with you, and Andi, thank you for helping me forgive my brother.”

“I don’t know how I did, but you're welcome anyway,” Andi whispered with a little twinkle in her eye.

 “Come-on Macy! The train’s going to leave without us.” Jase hollered impatiently. 

“Alright, I’m coming,” Macy answered, then told Andi, “I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me, just wait, I’ll pay you back one of these days.” With that Macy ran to where Jase was waiting for her by the train. “Good-bye Andi!” She called before hurriedly boarding the train. 

“Good-bye Macy.” Andi shouted as the train began to move. “You come and visit sometime, okay?” “Sure!” Macy shouted back above the train whistle, then she pulled her head inside the train and left Andi standing on the train platform wondering if she’d ever see Macy and Jase again.