The Lone Writer: Valentine's Day Present

“I want to be a writer when I grow up,” thought Jessica, as she sat at her computer trying to write. “I miss you so much, Mom,” she said, tearfully. 

It was the day before Valentine’s Day. 

Jessica was thirteen years old, and lived with her father on a ranch, in Alberta. Her school project entailed writing a proposal about her future. 

After her mother passed away, Jessica had taken on the chores her mother would have done while she was at school, or doing her homework. 

“Having extra work is not fair,” she thought. “But like Dad says, such is the platter of life. It’s hard for him, too.”

   

Jessica contemplated what life might have been like on Valentine’s Day had her mother lived. “She’d be making cookies,” she thought. 

“Now I have to write this paper. I could be the Lone Ranger and call my horse, Toronto. No, his name was Tonto. The Lone Ranger was a man. That's not a good idea.”

Jessica was very lonely without her mother. Their ranch was huge. Her father had ranch hands, but there was always too much work. It was just not the same without her mother either.

“Mom, I love you. What do you want me to be when I grow up?” Jessica knew her mother couldn't hear her, but talking to her mother's photograph helped fill the void.

“How’s the lone writer?” asked her father, who walked in carrying a pail of milk.    

“That’s perfect!” thought Jessica, smiling at him. “I’ll be the Lone Writer. I’ll call my horse, Toronto when I get one.” Toronto was the city where she had last seen her mother.

“We have a brand new colt, sweetie!” her dad announced.  

“We do? That is super!” responded Jessica, excitedly. “Dad, can I call the new colt, Toronto?”

“Sure can, Jessica. That colt is yours. He’s your Valentine’s Day present for being such a good helper.”

 “Thank you, Dad. I love you so much.”