My Short Short for the Day

 “It’s time to go, Sweetie.”  Stella slung on her backpack, tightened the strap and opened the door.

“Coming Mom!”  Emma hurried downstairs.

Stella helped put Emma’s pack on and then shut the door behind them.  She locked and deadbolted the door.  Who knows when they’ll be back, so better safe than sorry.  Stella took Emma’s hand as they walked to the bus stop a few blocks away.  After a 15 minute ride, they got off the bus at the train station.  She bought 2 one-way tickets and boarded the train within 20 minutes.  Once settled into their seats, Stella opened her pack, pulled out her phone and typed a text.

“So, where are headed this time?”  Emma asked pulling out her paper and crayons.

“Well, it should be a beautiful spot.  We’ll be near a lake. We’ll have to travel through the forest to get there, though.  There’s a log cabin near the beach and it has all the supplies we’ll need.”  Stella smiled as she pulled out a map.  “Here is where we get off the train.”

“Oh, I see.”  Emma studied the map.  “Looks like it could be a little tricky to get there.” 

“Yes, but nothing we can’t handle.”  Stella folded up the map and tucked it away.  “Mind if I read for a bit?”

“No problem, Mom.”  Emma hummed softly as she drew a picture of a beautiful lake in the middle of a dense forest.

“Would you like to order some food from our menu?”  The young woman asked.  “Oh, what a lovely picture you drew.”

“Thank you.”  Emma smiled up at the nice lady.  “We’re going on a trip there.”

“Oh, I see.”  The woman smiled.  “Would you like anything to drink or eat Miss?”

“Yes, 2 box lunches please.”  Stella handed over her credit card.

When the woman had left, Stella leaned over toward Emma.  “Remember, there are lots and lots of trees around the lake.  And maybe some squirrels and rabbits, too.”

“Got it.”  Emma pulled out some more crayons, adding more trees and some animals to her drawing.  “How’s that?”

“Perfect, Honey.”  Stella patted her arm, then leaned back in her seat.  “It shouldn’t be much longer now.”

When Emma finished her picture, she held it up for her Mom.  “How’s this?”

“That looks great!”  Stella took the picture and stared at it.

“Do you see anything yet?”  Emma whispered.

“Yes.”  Stella pointed to several spots on the picture. 

Emma made a mark on each place that Stella pointed to. 

“Good.  There’s only 5.  We should be able to handle that with no problem.”  Stella rolled up the picture and tucked it into her bag.  Just then the young woman brought the lunch.

“Here you go.  Enjoy!”  The woman set the food down and smiled before moving on.

“Thank you!”  Emma said.

“Ok, eat up Emma.  You need your strength.”  Stella took a bite of the sandwich.

“Yes, Mom.”  Emma replied.

A short time later, Stella and Emma got off the train.  There wasn’t much of a train station, but they didn’t really need anything.  They crossed the street, walked along the sidewalk for a few blocks and were soon headed out of town.  Within 15 minutes they came to the dense forest and stopped.

“You ready, Kiddo?”  Stella looked down at Emma.

“Ready!”  Emma had a determined smile on her face.

Stella pulled out the picture Emma had drawn on the train then hefted her pack a little higher on her shoulders.  She looked at the picture.  Still only 5.  She nodded to Emma and headed into the forest.  Emma followed closely behind.  It was time.