I'm Sheridan Wesley. I'm eleven years old. I've always lived with my dad. He's the only person I've got. He loves me and I love him too. But soon our lives changed. Mine especially.


It was a sunny day in Blueville, a rural small town not far away from Tennessee. The kind of place where everyone knew everyone. My dad was one of the most popular and well-liked people of Blueville. He owned vast land and a big ranch.

I always loved working with him. I loved the farm life. I knew how to ride horses, milk cows, make butter, plant seeds and harvest crops. I was well loved by all my dad's employees and well known too by the people of the town. I was the little boy who always gave a helping hand.

The Last Laugh

"D- don't worry, Sheridan. Dad will find uncle Paul." she murmured softly. I didn't move or respond. "I'm sorry, Sheridan."


She ran her little fingers through my hair, continuously and softly. Surprisingly, it relaxed me.


"You feeling a little bit better?" she asked softly. I nodded slowly. She continued.


"Please don't cry again. You cried this morning and- and it made me cry too. Mom punished me for that." I looked up at her for the first time since she'd entered the room. I held her hand tight and opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. I didn't even have the force to speak.


At that instant, Sawyer appeared at the door, her little arms crossed. She looked at Heather with a frown.


"Heather, you're not supposed to be here. I'll tell Mom."


"Just shut up for once, Sawyer." Heather's reply came out dry. I looked at her surprised. Sawyer looked at her, shocked. Her big sister had never answered her that way.


Chapter9