That evening, Jolene didn’t feel quite right. It wasn’t anything sharp. Nothing sudden. Just… off. A dull heaviness settled in her back, enough to make her shift uncomfortably in her seat. She stood up slowly, pressing a hand against the small of her back. “Rick?” she called out, moving toward the door. Before she could reach it, a sound cut through the quiet.
Loud. Urgent. Jolene turned. Keola was running toward the house. Not wandering. Not pacing. Running. The horse slowed as she got closer, but didn’t stop. She let out a sharp, uneasy neigh—one Jolene hadn’t heard before.
“Hey… what is it?” Jolene frowned. Keola stepped closer, restless, shifting her weight. Another sound. Louder this time. Jolene hesitated… then shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing,” she murmured, turning back toward the house. Inside, Ricky looked up immediately.
“I don’t feel great,” she admitted. His expression changed. “I’m calling my sister,” he said quickly. “Just to be safe.”