The Mystery on the Circle C Ranch

by Caroline Knelsen

 Chapter one: Will Taffy Make it?

“ANDI!” Chad’s voice blared up the stairs. “Why in the world is your horse tied up in the middle of the yard?! And on a hot day like today!!!!!!!!!”

Andi rushed from the kitchen.

“I am sorry, Chad. Mother called me when I got back, so I tied her up. I did not know I would be this long.”

Andi hurried out the door and stopped short. Taffy stood in the middle of the yard. She looked thirsty. Andi watered Taffy and went back to the house. Chad came to the house. “I am sorry for yelling at you, Andi.”

Andi headed outside again.  Taffy was lying in the barn, gasping for air. Andi called Chad.

Chad darted toward the barn. A minute later, Jake, the ranch’s temporary vet, came toward Taffy.

 He looked Taffy over, and gasped.

                               C

Andi sat in Taffy’s stall, stroking the golden coat. Taffy was pregnant. She was going to have the foal soon.

Andi tried not to cry. The foal probably would die.

“Andi?” A quiet voice asked. Andi looked up to find Ellie standing there. Andi reached up and unlatched the stall door. Ellie stepped in and sat by Andi. “Don’t lose hope, Andi.”

Chapter two: The saddest day.

Andi could not contain her tears as Chad and Mitch slowly buried her beloved foal. Taffy was near death to. Taffy slowly struggled on. The foal had been born yesterday, and died in the last hour. Andi fought back sobs. Andi crumpled to the ground next to the foal’s grave and sobbed. “I killed my foal!” Mitch and Chad left. Andi raised her head. Kate stood there. “Andi! You did not kill the foal and you know it!”

Andi checked on Taffy. Taffy was standing in her stall looking around. “What’s all the fuss over me about?” She seemed to be saying. Andi hugged Taffy. “You’re going to live, Taffy!” Taffy whickered and nibbled Andi’s hair. Andi wiped tears away. “I am thankful that God spared you, Taffy. Thank you, Lord!”

An older mare had a foal, but the mare, Sweet Pea, died. Chad gave Andi the foal for Taffy. Andi gave the foal to Taffy. “I think I’ll call her Sweet Pea junior.” Andi decided. Melinda laughed. “That’s cute, Andi.”  Andi played with Taffy and the foal until dark. Andi watched Taffy and Sweet Pea more, at the same time, thanking God for saving Taffy. Andi loved Taffy and Sweet Pea. Andi smiled as the sun disappeared, making Taffy and Sweet Pea look prettier than ever. “God truly is Amazing.” Andi said. “God answered my prayers.”

   “That’s true, Andi. He is amazing.” Melinda smiled at Andi. Andi jumped up and the sisters embraced tightly. “Thank you, Lord.”