Wendy wanted to learn how to ride a horse, and Evelyn Ford felt she should practice too. She had a premonition that after the drought, they might have to leave this place again.
During dinner, Evelyn explained her plan. Officer Graham had no objections. Rather than coddling her, he hoped Wendy would learn more skills. She would grow up eventually, just as he would one day grow old. He couldn't protect her forever.
"I wonder how long this will last."
"Just like every disaster before, we'll get through this one too."
Wendy suddenly sighed, and everyone turned to look at her.
"What's wrong?"
Wendy shook her head. "I don't know. I just feel... annoyed."
Officer Graham smiled. "That's the price of growing up. The older you get, the more worries you have. Do you still want to grow up?"
"Yes. When I'm grown up, you won't have to work so hard."
Officer Graham was very gratified.
