Taza looked at her legs and then back at her face. You don't have to. Clara did not understand. He waited before moving closer. May I help you?
The question broke something inside her. She had been grabbed, dragged, ordered, and pushed for so long that she had forgotten what it felt like when someone asked permission. Clara nodded. Taza approached carefully and another beneath her knees. When he lifted her, Clara instinctively stiffened.
She expected pain. Instead, she felt steady arms supporting her. For several seconds, she could not speak. Taza carried her toward his horse. Clara whispered, "Where are you taking me?
My ranch. I can't pay you. I didn't ask for payment. I have nothing. " Taza looked down at her. You have a life.
Clara's eyes filled again. She looked away. The ride to Taza's ranch took nearly an hour. He kept the horse at an easy pace, making sure Clara remained comfortable. When they finally reached the valley, Clara lifted her head.
She had expected a small cabin. Instead, she saw a large ranch house surrounded by cottonwoods, fenced pasture, horses, and fields stretching toward the distant hills. Warm light glowed from the windows. It looked peaceful, almost unreal. Taza carried Clara inside.
The house was simple but comfortable. A fire burned in the stone hearth. Wooden furniture filled the rooms and the staircase led toward the bedrooms. Taza took Clara to a quiet room and placed her gently on the bed. She immediately whispered, "What do you want? " Taza turned toward her.
"Nothing," he said. Clara frowned. "Everyone wants something. " "Maybe you're different. " Taza considered the question. "I try to be. " He placed a cup of water on the bedside table. You can stay here tonight.
Just tonight? As long as you need. Clara stared at him. Nobody had ever offered her time. There was always a condition, a task, a debt, a threat.
She slowly drank the water. Taza left the room. Clara listened to his footsteps disappear down the hall. She waited for him to return. He didn't.
She waited for someone to demand that she work. Nobody came. Eventually, exhaustion pulled her into sleep. Several hours later, Clara a woke from a nightmare. She sat upright, breathing hard.
For one terrifying moment, she forgot where she was. Her hand knocked a cup from the table. It crashed onto the floor. Footsteps approached. Clara froze.
Taza stopped outside the door. Clara? She couldn't answer. Do you want me to come inside? Her eyes widened.
Again, he was asking. She wiped tears from her face. No. Then I will stay outside. Clara stared at the closed door.
A few moments passed. What? No. You heard the cup? Yes.
You're not going to punish me? Silence followed. Then Taza said quietly. No. Clara pressed her hand against her mouth.