Adeline's Story - April 2026 Story Prompt

 By Adeline age 14

“Come on Taffy. We’re going for a ride,” twelve-year-old Andi told her horse while she saddled her. As she led Taffy to the barn doors, she heard the sound of hoofbeats coming into the yard. When the rider came into view, Andi squinted to see who had arrived. Then she gasped. She recognized the rider – and that was what frightened her most. It was Vince Hollister, the father of one of her old friends, and he was a local sheep rancher. She also knew that Mr. Hollister was not on the best of terms with her older brother, Chad. “I wonder why he’s here. I hope Sadie didn’t get hurt trick riding” Andi thought as a frown creased her forehead.

“Howdy, Miss Carter,” Mr. Hollister said as he stopped his horse in front of her.

“Howdy, Mr. Hollister. Do you want to see my brother?” Andi asked warily.

“Actually, I came to see you. Sadie would like to go fishing today. I was going to town, so she asked if I could stop here and ask you to meet her up at your secret spot,” Mr. Hollister answered.

“Oh,” Andi said in surprise. “I haven’t seen Sadie for a while. Maybe I’ll go.”

“I’m sure she would like it a whole lot if you came,” Mr. Hollister said with a smile that took Andi by surprise. Mr. Hollister rarely smiled.

That decided it for Andi. She grinned back. “Well, I guess I’d better grab my fishing pole and some bait. Thanks for coming by Mr. Hollister.”

Mr. Hollister nodded saying, “I best be going onto town. See you around sometime, Miss Carter.” Mr. Hollister turned his horse and rode out of the yard.

Andi grinned again as she spun to get her pole. “Taffy, there’s been a change of plans. I’m going fishing with Sadie, but I’ll still ride you to our secret spot. And if we hurry, we might beat Sadie there."