Chapter Seven

Morning came all too soon.  If I hadn’t had the responsibility of tending to the horses, I’d have burrowed deeper into the folds of my bedding for a few more hours.  Being the dependable person that I was, I dragged myself out of bed and dressed quickly.

The smell of coffee as I trudged down the stairs did wonders for improving my mood.  I had no idea who was thoughtful enough to rise early and brew coffee, but I was grateful. 

I was about to express my thanks to whoever it was when I entered the kitchen, but I stopped short like a mute statue instead.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  There, at the stove, stood my mother.  She was busy flipping pancakes to add to the rather large stack that was already on a plate in the middle of the table.  Not only was she moving with grace and ease, but her scars and deformities were gone.

“Mom?” I finally managed to utter as I studied her carefully.

Sh