The Cold Barn

The Cold Barn

Waking up to a beam of sun burning through his eye lid, John could already feel the pain in his bones. Attempting to stretch his legs he felt his foot brush against his sister’s head. He could feel her begin to squirm around, because of his actions. I best get up John thought before I wake them all up. He looked around at his family all huddled together in the hay. He could see the snow coming in through every hole in the wood of this old barn. He walked over and moved a bale of hay out of the spot where there was a huge hole and headed through the snow towards the field. He could see that there was no hope for warmth today, because no one had dropped any wood into their yard. Some days other people in the village took pity on them and would give donations of food or wood, but this snow had made it so it had been many days since they had any sign of help.

A short time had gone by and John heard his father’s loud voice yell his name from the barn. Throwing his bow back over his shoulder he ran as fast as his frozen, numb feet could take him. It was always hard to know if his father was going to still be drunk from the night before, or if he would be hung over from the night before, either way it was usually not good. As John rounded the corner in front of the barn he was met with a rock hitting him in the face. That halted him in his tracks, and he immediately reached for his eye and held the blood from running down his face. It hurt even more than usual, because his skin was already sore from the cold wind that had been relentless all morning. Hey you idiot his father shouted do you want everyone to freeze to death, do you? His fathers shouted words made his ears ring as he had grabbed him by the back of the neck while shouting. Nnnn no Sir! John replied, and felt confused as to why he was being accused of that. Well then why did you leave that hole open so all the snow and wind could get into the barn. It will take hours to try to build that heat back up you caused us to lose his father said. Pushing John down into the snow, his father walked back into the barn mumbling and shaking his head. John felt one tear begin to fall down his cheek, but he quickly wiped it away with his cold fingers because he saw his sisters looking at him through the little holes in the wall.

John could see off in the distance his old home; the white house looked like it was glowing from warmth. He sat down in the snow, and could remember how good things used to be, before his father started drinking. John could almost feel the heat as he remembered sitting around the fire, and his whole family gathered around his father while he told them stories of his travels. He would tell them about lands far away, and people who did not even speak the same way they did. John’s stomach grumbled as he visualized sitting around the table, and all of them eating a hot meal. The laughter, the fun, the happiness were all gone now. All they had now was this cold, empty barn, full of sadness.

As he walked into the barn John gave a nod at his frightened little sisters that let them know he was okay. They could see the wound on his head, and were still not certain that he was good. As he walked by his best friend in the whole world, the only one who seemed to love him poked his head out of the stall and nudged him. Turning to face him he could feel the horses love as it pushed his head up against him. Good morning Trip, John said as he began to run his hands over the horses head. They shared a moment where the horse seemed to be comforting John, and letting him know everything was going to be okay.

His moment of happiness was broken by his father telling him to get to work, and that there was a lot to do to try to feed everyone today. John said yes Sir, but in his head he was thinking maybe if you put that bottle of whiskey down and helped me we would have food. He gathered up his bow, and grabbed the rope around trip and led him through the barn doors. This time he took extra care in making sure everything was sealed up tight. The throbbing pain coming from his brow above his eye made sure to remind of him of that. He led Trip away down the path towards the forest in hopes of finding a deer or some other animal wandering around. Up on the tallest hill that he could find before the forest they stopped, and John could see the people far off into the distance in the village. His father would never let them go into the village, because he said they all judged them. John said Trip if we could go to town, I just know people would have some food and wood for us. That sure would be nice not having to sit out in this snow all day, and not catch anything.

John headed towards the forest where he tied Trip to a tree and walked a small distance, and laid on the ground watching in silence. He laid there all day, and he had not seen one sign of life in that frozen forest. The skin on his body burned from the cold, and his fingers and toes felt like they may fall off at any moment. John dropped his head low as he walked back towards Trip, he knew that if he went home empty handed he would be in more pain than he was before. His father would be well liquored up by now, and he would be expecting a great meal. Trip I just can’t go back without anything, because he is already angry from this morning. I will be lucky if he doesn’t kill me, if I come back empty handed John said as he swallowed down the fear in his throat. As they walked back up the hill John could still see the village in the distance. That’s it Trip we have to go there, and we have to do it fast before it gets dark. Trip shook his head back and forth like he was saying no. Come on Trip you have to go with me, I will never make it back before dark without you. Trip leaned down to allow John to jump on, and they headed towards the village with great speed.

As they passed over the bridge that leads into the village John pulled back on the rope to let Trip know to slow down. The snow stopped falling a little while back so John could see all the way down the main street with ease. He could see many people gathered in front of the market, and they were carrying food, hay, and wood to their carriages. He hopped off of Trips back, and they walked towards the market. I don’t know how I am going to manage to get them to give me some food John thought, but I know I cannot fail at this. People stopped and stared at the two as they walked through the village, and John could feel their eyes burning into him. Maybe Pa was right he thought, and maybe they were all judging him. He got to the market and there was a carriage with a beautiful woman in a fancy dress sitting there. She was sitting there while men were loading all of her supplies. She looked over at John as he was going to tie up Trip so that he could rest for a moment. She motioned for a young man to help her out of the carriage, and then she walked slowly over towards John. Dear God boy how long has it been since you have been inside she asked? I don’t know John said I have been out all day hunting in the forest for food. She took off her glove, and grabbed his hand, Oh my goodness your hands feel like they are frozen. You must come with me into the cafe, and let me buy you a meal. Well John looked back at Trip; I don’t want anyone to steal my horse Madam. She let out a surprised laugh at the thought of anyone stealing such a mess of a horse. She smiled down at John and said well I will make sure my men keep a close eye on him to make sure he is safe. They will even give him water, food, and a blanket to keep him warm. John's eyes lit up at the idea of that, because he had felt bad that he could barely ever feed Trip.

The two headed towards the small cafe just across the road from the market. John walked in the door first and was holding it open for the lady to follow. A grumpy voice shouted hey you idiot you’re letting all the cold air in. John had a flash back of what had happened that morning, and he ducked in and began to shake. The woman grabbed him and pulled him in close, and then yelled back at the man to watch his tongue. The old man realizing the status of the woman and choked on his words as he quickly came over to apologize. They sat down and ordered food, and John ate so much that he felt like his stomach would burst. The lady looking at him softly said what happened to your eye John? Normally John did exactly as he was told to do, and never told any of his family’s business, but this lady was different. He felt like she was going to understand, and be kind to him. He began to talk to her, and tell her everything. He told her about how happy they once were, his father’s drinking, about living in the barn, and about the things his father did to him. He could see a tear in the woman’s eye as she said that is it young man, you will come live with me now.

John wanted to leave with that woman, and go to her house so bad but he couldn’t leave his sisters and mother behind. I can’t John said with his head down. Why not the woman asked. He explained how he was the only one who took care of his sisters, mom, and Trip and if he left then his father would likely kill them all. She looked at him, and said you dear sweet boy I will not leave them behind. You mean we can all come, John said? Yes we will go in my wagon and with my men and gather your family. John had so much fear in his heart as the huge crew of men lead towards the old barn. When they pulled up his father stumbled out of the barn, and began shouting at the men. What is the meaning of this he yelled? The man explained that they would all be going now, and that he would be hung for his crimes if he resisted. They all loaded up in the carriage, and drove away to live a good life filled with love and happiness. They did not go hungry any more, they did not freeze any more, and they were all happy including Trip.