Hettie Field

Microfiction: 98 words

Girl on Oregon Trail by Benjamin Wu

They had cast their lots and headed West to seek their fortunes. A month later, they were lost in the desert, provisions gone, all but three dead.

Now, gaunt and hollow-eyed, they sat around the campfire.

Mr. Batson cooked the new rations. Mr. Meek stared into the flames as if they spoke to him. And Mr. Field sobbed into his daughter’s empty dress.

When dinner was served, none looked at their plates or each other.

As they bit into the meat, each was ashamed and relieved he would see another sunrise, even though they did not deserve it.