And inside the small house at the end of the street, seven people ate, laughed, talked, and belonged to one another. The storm had passed. And with it, some of the town's hatred had washed away. Now came acceptance. Now their real life in Dusty Creek could begin.
Monday dawned bright and clear. The five children were awake early, nervous and excited for their first day of school. Yara had carefully pressed their new clothes the night before. Ryland made them a hearty breakfast. Remember, he said while they ate.
Just be yourselves. Be polite. Ask questions. Learn everything you can. What if the other children are mean again?
Sani asked. Ryland smiled. After yesterday, I doubt many of them will be looking for trouble. Then his expression softened. But if anyone does say something ugly, keep your head high.
You know who you are. At exactly 8:00, Ryland walked the five children to school. It was a simple white wooden building with a bell mounted above the roof and tall windows that let sunlight pour inside. Eliza Maher was waiting at the entrance with a bright smile. Good morning, Voss family, she said.
Come in. I saved places for all of you. Inside, the children of Dusty Creek were already seated. When the five siblings entered, there were no cruel whispers, no mocking laughter. Several children even smiled at them.
Jory Bell raised a hand in greeting. Class, Eliza said, "Let's welcome Kea, Reco, Sani, Daro, and Merie. They're new to our town, and I expect every one of you to treat them with kindness and respect." The room broke into applause. The five siblings slipped into their desks, surprised and delighted.
Their first day of school turned out better than any of them had imagined. Eliza was patient, cheerful, and had a gentle way of explaining things. She taught them letters, numbers, basic science. The children absorbed everything quickly, like dry ground drinking in rain. At recess, Jory walked over to Reco.
Want to play baseball with us? Reco's whole face lit up. Sure. He ran off to join the other boys, laughing beneath the sunlight. Kea, Sani, Daro, and Merie joined some of the girls in a game of hide-and-seek.
For the first time in a very long while, they were simply children. Not Apache children, not outsiders, not strangers. Just five youngsters running, laughing, and playing like everyone else. When school ended, Ryland was waiting outside. The moment they saw him, all five came running at once, talking so quickly that no one could finish a sentence.
"I learned to write my name," Kea shouted proudly. "Miss Maher says I'm good at arithmetic," Reco announced with a huge grin. I made a new friend," Sani cried. Ryland listened as they walked home, his chest fuller than he could remember it ever being. When they reached the house, they found Doc Calder sitting on the porch beside a large wooden box.
"Doc," Ryland said. "What brings you out here?" The doctor smiled as though he had been waiting all day to reveal a secret. I brought something special. Then he turned to Yara.