Andi and the Big Fright - April 2026 Story Prompt

 by Olivia, age 11

Andi Carter let her spoon dangle over her bowl while she waited for someone to talk to her. She wanted to ask who “James Porter” was. But children weren’t supposed to talk at the table. Not unless someone talked to them. Andi hated that rule!

Then, Andi didn’t have to ask. She could eavesdrop on what big brother Justin was saying.

            “There are “wanted” signs starting to go up,” he said. “James Porter is in the town right next to us stealing horses by night. We best be careful.”

            Andi forgot about the “no talking” rule.“What about Taffy?” she said.

            “Andrea, I do not believe you were talked to,” said Mother.

            “I’m sorry, Mother,” Andi said. “But I’m worried about Taffy.”

            “Not to worry,” Justin said. “Because I’m a lawyer, I know exactly where James

Porter is.”

            But Andi still worried. Taffy will get stolen, she thought. God, please keep Taffy safe.

            Andi rode Taffy along the road, not even caring about the summer heat. This was probably her last ride with Taffy.

            As Andi rode, she came across a “wanted” sign with the name “James Porter” on it. “So that’s what he looks like,” she said. Then she thought, Taffy is going to die.  

            Andi was afraid to go to bed that night. Taffy would be gone the next morning. She was sure of it! I’m never going to get to sleep, she thought. She was wrong. She was soon fast asleep.

               Andi woke up the next morning and ran out to the barn. She had to check on Taffy. Taffy was still there. Whew!

            Andi asked Mitch to saddle Taffy for her. He saddled her, and then went back in to the house. Andi was about to get on Taffy when she saw a horse coming. She recognized the rider - and that was what frightened her most. “James Porter,” she whispered. She jumped onto Taffy and took off. Out came Justin, Chad, and Mitch.

            “Andi, get back!” Chad yelled.

            Andi didn’t “get back”. She had to get Taffy away from this horse thief. Then she thought, I have to chase him away! Then he’ll be gone! She took off toward James Porter. James Porter fought back on his big black horse. Taffy drew back in horror. Then the big black horse jumped right over Andi and Taffy. “Help!” Andi cried.

            Her big brothers came riding on their horses. Too late. James Porter was already knocking Andi off of  Taffy and yelling, “This horse is mine!”

            “Taffy!” Andi screamed. Instead of falling onto the ground, Andi fell onto her bed. It was all a dream!

            Andi ran out to the barn just to make sure. Sure enough, Taffy was in her stall sleeping soundly. Safe!

            At breakfast, Andi heard Justin say that James Porter was going in the opposite direction of their town. He would not be coming!

            Thank you, God! Andi breathed.