Chapter 42
“When You Are Awake The Dream Is Gone”
After the Texas Kid had left, Rosita got up off the bed, clutching her torn dress to her chest and walked out of the house. The moon was high in the sky, casting shadows from the nearby trees, eerily across the three bodies lying on the ground. A cooling soft breeze was blowing in from the north. It would have been a beautiful evening if it wasn’t for the murder and carnage that the Texas Kid had left at the Circle L. She walked over and gently turned Tom Corlett over on his back. His blood had turned the ground below his body a dark brown. His eyes were open and she softly closed them with her hand.
Next she approached Major Corlett’s body His legs were bent in an unnatural position and flies had already set into the gaping wound in his face. Rosita brushed them away but they were persistent and continued to come back. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the only friend she had at the ranch had just been killed. She stood and walked over to the young boy who was lying on his back with the mustang stallion standing next to him.
He is alive, she said to herself. He is hurt but I do not see any wounds. He must have been knocked out when he fell off his horse.
Rosita knelt down and lifted him by his shoulders and said, “Muchacho, muchacho, Cómo se llama usted, what is your name?”
Enrico groggily sat up, opening his eyes, “Que paso, what happened?” he asked.
“You fell off your horse and were knocked out?” The Major and Mr. Corlett were shot and killed by the Texas Kid.”
“Oh no, why?”
“I do not know. Cómo se llama usted?” She asked again.
“Enrico, he replied. Where is that man you call The Kid?”
“He took the Major’s horse and rode away. He said he was going back to Texas. Here, let me help you up and get you inside and bandage your head.”
“You are bleeding, senorita. Did he hurt you too?” Enrico asked.
“I will be fine. Let’s get you inside, she replied as she helped him get to his feet.
“What is your name, senorita?”
“Rosita.” She replied, lowering her eyes.
He looked closely at her then and was surprised at how young she was.
He stumbled as they started to walk, so he leaned on her shoulder for support. He couldn’t help but think how beautiful this young angel of mercy was. She could be no older than he was.
He tripped and stumbled again as they climbed up the first step. “Watch your step, I will help you,” she said as she secured her grip on his arm. They entered the ranch house and closed the door behind them.