MARY FINDS HER DOLL

Little Mary ran frantically over to her mother, tears staining the edges of her soft rosy cheeks.

“Mother!” She cried desperately. “Mother she’s gone!” Her mother began to rise, none too quickly, from off the wagon she had a moment ago been seated on. Her face bore no look of worry or fright. She sighed. This was the fifth time since they started their journey on the Oregon Trail that her daughter had lost her doll. This reoccurring event now tired and stressed Mary’s mother who had more important things to deal with, like helping the ill and feeding the working. The child pulled at her mother’s dress, urging her to stand faster.

“Where did you last have her?” The woman asked.

“I was playing with her over at the Dillerd’s wagon, then Colt called me to do something and when I came back, she was gone.” At this the little girl began to cry again.

“Now you listen to me Mary.” Snapped her parent. But upon realizing the harshness in her voice she softened. “Now listen.” She said again, this time her voice calm. “See all these other people on this journey? And all the other girls? I’m sure they would like a doll to play with too. But others have to work and feed people like yourself. So do you think fussing over a doll is that important?” She looked down at her daughter. Mary huffed and folded her arms.

“But momma!” The child contested. “You have to help me find her. I can’t sleep without her.”
Realizing there was no other way to win, Mary’s mother gave in once more to her child’s pleas. Taking her hand she said, “Now where did you say you last had her?”

“Over by the Dillerd’s wagon!” Whimpered Mary. And together, mother and daughter walked hand in hand over to the wagon. Once there the girl’s mother turned to her.

“Where did you set her before you went to Colt?” She asked.

“Up against the wagon wheel.” Mary answered. The woman walked over and bent down to have a closer look at where the doll was last seen. At first, it did look to be as if the doll was removed from the spot, but upon closer inspection her mother spotted a little leg sticking up from one of the spaces between the spokes of the wheel.

“Well what do we have here?!” Her mother exclaimed in a exaggerated voice as she lifted the small doll from off the ground.

“Oh MOTHER!!” Shouted Mary with joy, and she took the toy from her mother’s outstretched hand. “You’ve done it again.” She pressed the doll to her chest. “I’ll never lose you again!” Now with a smile stretch across the little girl’s face, she ran off.

Written by Renee’ Bailey
This story was written for Surviving the Oregon Trail Contest.