RACON GUNNER MAN OF AGES IN THEY ARE COMING

rovidence, noun: divine guidance or care. (Merriam-Webster)

Racon loaded the last stone onto the cart from his Grandfather’s field. His hands covered in dirt and calluses ached. He had spent the entire summer walking through this field pulling out rocks, loading them on the cart, so the plow wouldn’t hit them in the spring when his Grandfather planted again. What a job! And finally, he finished it.

Racon had just turned fifteen and was looking forward to using the plow soon. But his Grandfather said he had to build muscles and the best way was to clear out the rocks. How many rocks had he picked? He had created ten piles at the north end of the field. Thousands of rocks, he guessed.

Racon tugged on the rope, and the old horse begrudgingly started pulling the cart. The sun was high and hot. The horse walked slowly, and Racon didn’t mind. Finally, they reached the piles and Racon tossed the rocks, making it a few inches higher.. He didn’t know it yet, but his Grandfather was planning to build a fence with them and Racon was a key component to the plan.

The sun was setting as Racon ran from the barn to his house. His mother and father were waiting for him so they could start supper. He washed in the sink and then sat at the table. After a quick prayer, he dug in. Supper was always better after working hard all day. Even if it was simple.

After supper, Racon lit a candle and went up to his room. His mother had thrown open the window to let the cool evening air in, but tonight it was so hot that it didn’t matter. He didn’t bother changing clothes and as soon as he heard his father snoring he blew out his candle and climbed out the window, over the rooftop, and down the back porch.

This was the third time Racon had snuck out. He didn’t enjoy sneaking away from his parents, and if his father caught him, he would get the belt for sure. But he couldn’t let them know what they had found. It was too dangerous.