Charlie squinted down at the old, worn map in his hands, muttering under his breath, "What the hell… only shows one crystal." His hands shook a little, and he whispered to himself, "If I get all the crystals, I could… I could finally make the wish, get rid of this cancer. This is my chance to live… for real."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu3iY403ys
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe6IZn5HgQ
With a new spark in his eyes, Charlie broke into a run toward the barn, dust kicking up around him. As he neared, he could see Jed sitting back in his chair, rocking slowly with his boots propped up on the porch rail. Jed, ever the picture of calm, tipped his hat up slightly, one eye peeking out.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxf64OshMG
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf9vVmdHsw
"Oh, there you are, boy," Jed drawled. "Thought you might've gotten lost or… well, maybe decided to rob another bank."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPylpOPKvD
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWJ5Kdh9UT
Charlie, still catching his breath, shook his head with a smirk and handed Jed the map. "Hell no, old man. Look at this!" He jabbed his finger on the map.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3TDvPJri4
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JgkgFWVnG
Jed unfolded it, giving it a long, exaggerated squint. "Alright… cool. You found yourself a map. But ain't we already got one? How's this one any different?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIGPILLwAY
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F0O2qYiNi
"Jed, do you not see the big red 'X' mark here?" Charlie asked, barely containing his excitement.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGLrXbiLLc
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqo63A3P7O
Jed just shook his head, still squinting. "Nope. Don't see it. And besides, what's so special about an 'X' anyway? Just looks like we're heading on a wild goose chase here, boy."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVceZk7EQlM
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMddEBu41h
Charlie sighed, exasperated. "Uncle, please. Go get your glasses!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu1uA85ygI
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKJuST7Uzs
Jed gave him a sideways look, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Hey now, I see just fine without 'em. Just tryin' to look smart with those things." He paused, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And even if I could see it… so what? Ain't like we're goin' anywhere."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEpRrEkvee
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceyFSDzUSM
"Jed, the 'X' is in Mexico!" Charlie said, almost shouting in his excitement. "And if we get down there, I know we'll find one of those crystals."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSCnS2z7ao
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCj42uteEc
Jed cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. "Boy, what in the blazes are you on about? You wanna go to Mexico for some supposed magic crystal?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ygt0R6dQ1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCEKDKg1Qp
Charlie nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And if I can find all fifteen pieces, they say I can make a wish. A real, honest-to-God wish. I could… I could wish away my cancer, Jed." His voice softened, the weight of the words settling in the air.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa99z9K4huB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb8HLQBSXh
Jed's face softened too, but he quickly composed himself, taking a deep breath and rubbing a hand over his chin. "Charlie… take a deep breath and listen to yourself. This… this sounds like a fairy tale. You're talkin' about takin' off into Mexico, chasin' after some legend with no proof it's real."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXO3Lp4FPy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiel0MEWjbX
Charlie dropped down on his knees, looking up at Jed with desperation. "Please, Uncle Jed. I'm begging you. If you help me, I swear, I'll stop robbing banks, I'll settle down, work the farm, live a… peaceful life."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6agVwJ4M9p
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcATmRgezS
Jed shifted in his chair, taking in Charlie's pleading eyes. He took another deep breath, scratching his chin in thought. "Alright, alright… fine. But if this whole wild trip turns out to be for nothin', boy, you're comin' back here and stayin' put. No more runnin' 'round like a stray dog, you hear me?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5YDnyw4hT
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14u7awzkW6
Charlie shot up, pulling Jed into a hug. "Thank you, Jed. I won't forget this."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy4TsIYVnu
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCrLo4Zy2q
Jed chuckled, patting him on the back. "Alright, alright. But, uh… you do realize that's one hell of a journey you're talkin' about." He held up the map again, pointing to their spot in Oregon. "Oregon's big. We're talkin' 98,000 square miles—bigger than the whole damn UK. From here to Mexico? That's hundreds of miles, not to mention all the rough country we'll have to cross."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoSSXsDXsT
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUueNX7znG
Charlie's eyes widened as Jed continued, "Oregon itself is massive. It's got everything—mountains, desert, ocean. Mount Hood, at over 11,000 feet, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in America. Think about that, Charlie. We're a long way from Mexico, and I sure as hell ain't interested in dying somewhere in the desert because you think some rock'll grant you a miracle."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJhMtzmzXQ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmopnkjlOK
Charlie's excitement flickered but didn't die out. "I know it's risky. But it's my only chance, Jed. If this is the only way to get rid of the cancer…" He trailed off, his voice barely a whisper.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZd7P1F2MX
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp7q8wodJd
Jed sighed, his expression softening a bit. "Alright, alright. Just know what you're getting into. Most of Oregon might be mild, but you head east, you got cold, snowy winters and dry summers. And then there's the whole stretch down to Mexico, likely hotter than hell itself, with nothin' but scrub and sand for miles." He looked Charlie dead in the eyes, a serious look settling on his face. "You're talkin' about a hard road, boy. One that ain't gonna be kind to either of us."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI2J4jRpXR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CgS3NTGA3
Charlie nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of what they were about to undertake. "I'm ready, Jed. Even if it's tough, I'm ready."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjXLLrOUAP
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yMWF7myvn
Jed stood up, dusting off his hat. "Alright, then. Let's pack up and get ourselves ready for the long haul. Ain't no tellin' what we'll find out there, but we're doin' this right." He clapped a hand on Charlie's shoulder, giving him a small, reassuring nod.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVINT7XO4FS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aJKM81rB8
As Jed watched Charlie nodding eagerly, he tilted his head, casting a wary eye over him. "Alright, boy," he said, "we're gonna need supplies... food, and plenty of it."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OuuFR7EZO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp15GYj4Mh
Charlie nodded in agreement, his gaze already darting around as he mentally ticked off items. "And horses, Jed. Can't get far on foot,'specially not all the way to Mexico."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFB6lOjFfS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m8kbWP84g
Jed gave him a hard look, brows raised. "Right. Now, where's that horse you used to have? Had one last I checked."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5r6sMkQhi
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5kEKYKLDj
Charlie gave a sheepish shrug. "Left him."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswGWHmVy02
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODahNFVPlG
Jed sighed, half-amused, half-annoyed, shaking his head. "Well, ain't you a damn donkey's ass. Figured you would've ditched him; otherwise, you'd probably be swingin' from a rope by now, knowin' your luck."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4NZJAfjbd
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48tcBwc3Ox
Charlie snorted, a hint of a grin creeping in. "Yeah, well, I'd rather leave him than be strung up or hauled to jail."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5su0N1RcND
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL04hmXHuQ9
Jed chuckled, grumbling, "You're probably right. Jail wouldn't suit you. Hangin'… maybe," he said with a wink. "C'mon, let's go down to the barn. Lucky for you, I got a horse you can use."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXfo2MDyRS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXULyFTRiyZ
They strode down to the barn, each step kicking up dust, and Jed threw open the barn doors. Inside stood two horses: one a striking, big black stallion with a proud, muscular build, his glossy coat catching the afternoon light, and the other a sturdy gray horse, a bit smaller, with a calm demeanor and steady eyes.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39wKrn0Eou
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TozAqffZb
Jed gestured to the black stallion. "This here's King—finest horse you'll find in this county. Tough, fast, and loyal, he's been with me through thick and thin."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjDdBcX3Zn
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGQqCH1Exb
Charlie walked up to the gray horse, giving him a soft pat on the neck. "And this one here?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2972ZPDpa
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf9x2EhYlB
"That there's yours," Jed replied with a small smirk. "He's strong and reliable, but not near as fast or tough as King here. He'll get you where you need to go, though, so long as you keep him fed and don't do nothin' stupid."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PUdKbuJBl
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsPQSb2Zy1
Charlie grinned. "He'll do just fine." He stroked the horse's mane thoughtfully before muttering, "Think I'll call him Silver Tempest."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSsVnNf2bw
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRbCNGgCZy
Jed nodded approvingly. "Good name, fits him. Now let's get to town and gather up what we need for this journey."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJkscVz9YF
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx7I89FtQU
Jed looked down at their dusty clothes with a frown. "Hold up, boy. We ain't ridin' all the way to Mexico, lookin' like a pair of washed-up ranch hands. We're gonna need better gear, something that'll last."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg1LastGW1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6z2l4feLV
Charlie glanced down at his worn shirt and scuffed boots, nodding. "Yeah, guess you're right. Won't hurt to be prepared." He scratched his chin, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Where're we gettin' these clothes from, though?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8bIvahQsQ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf09OfYVceB
Jed motioned toward the barn's back door. "I got a trunk of clothes that I saved from... well, let's just say from different parts of my life. They might just be what we need." They walked back around to the barn's storage area, and Jed heaved open an old wooden chest. Inside lay neatly folded shirts, pants, jackets, and hats in muted, durable colors, all with the rugged feel of a life spent outdoors.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvIFs7yAgq
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCpwxKa7iV
Jed reached in and pulled out a thick leather vest, a couple of sturdy long-sleeved shirts, and a coat that looked like it'd seen more than its fair share of weather. "This, here's the gear you're takin'," he said, handing a shirt to Charlie. "It'll keep the sun off you and won't tear easy, even if you go headfirst into a cactus."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlsVLhYXs6
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx5giRfape
Charlie inspected the shirt, feeling the weight of the fabric. "It's a solid shirt... feels like it could take a bullet."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTla6KuKn1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa4IzWdKG7
Jedchuckled dryly. "Well, let's hope it don't come to that. And here—"he passed Charlie a pair of pants that looked worn but sturdy, made of thick canvas material in a faded brown. "These should fit. A bit baggy, but you'll get used to 'em."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYHsHDPWCe
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBbEkuzWVm
Charlie slid into the pants, adjusting the fit as he pulled on his father's old beanie, glancing in the cracked mirror hanging in the barn. His outfit was taking shape—a warm gray shirt with short, rolled-up sleeves that felt breathable yet durable and pants that allowed for easy movement without wearing out. He looked at himself, a glimmer of pride mixed with the tension of what lay ahead. "Ready for Mexico yet?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv25R91F7A
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL3IcmbgiK
Jed snorted. "Ain't nearly yet, boy. But you're looking' more like it. Jed then goes on the other side of the barn to change.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW0gTaVkiY
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioBcowGneh
Charlie heads to the house and grabs a purple beanie from his bag. It had once belonged to his father, and as he placed it on his head, he paused, almost like he was letting his father in on the moment. Dad, he thought to himself, I'm takin' your beanie along for this one.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xdvUrC5dQ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSF9tULxY2
Meanwhile, Jed reached up and took down an old, dark cowboy hat from the bucket. Dust had settled on the brim, and as he brushed it off, his face softened for a moment. "Well, Pa, hope you're watchin'... sittin' up there with Ma. It's been a spell since I wore this ol' hat, so forgive me if it's a bit worn-in."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKrwhucgKj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uWngKAcoa
The hat had character: a wide brim with a slight tilt; the edges faded from years of use but were strong, like the man who'd worn it before. Jed looked down at his outfit—clean, worn leather vest over a deep green shirt, denim jeans tucked into brown leather boots, and a belt with a silver buckle etched with a worn horsehead. He added a leather bandana around his neck, more for tradition than function, and adjusted his belt where his revolver sat.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F2VIXlNWW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR4n5cFJ5U
As Charlie heads back to the barn, he sees Jed and whistles as he looks him over. "Got a bit of a 'fashion cowboy' thing goin' on there, Jed. Lookin' ready for a poster."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn6cIbH91a
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDUouVV5Eq
Jed scoffed, but a slight smile betrayed him. "Ain't tryin' to impress nobody, just knowin' that if I'm gonna do this fool's errand with you, might as well do it right. Now let's saddle up."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uu0SPuIMi
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKWOp8cw12
As they mounted their horses and started toward town, Jed turned to Charlie, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Boy, you sure you're ready for what's ahead? You're talkin' about somethin' big, somethin' dangerous. Not just in miles, but in the kind of folk we're gonna come across, and the places we're ridin' through. It ain't no Sunday picnic to Mexico."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt12RxzwquQ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsSNgzelRC
Charlie met Jed's gaze, eyes determined but tempered with that hint of youth. "I'm ready, Jed. No matter what it takes. If there's a chance, even a tiny one, to get rid of this cancer, then I'm all in."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nzPdaGqJ2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrosoR72Fpr
Jed studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright, boy. Then let's get to it. But know this—this journey might take more from you than you realize. And if we do this, we're gonna do it smart and cautious, or we might not make it back."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUdmpKWwQi
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIvoSjWtYe
They urged their horses onward, the landscape stretching out before them.
ns216.73.216.154da2
