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Alicia’s Point Of View.
Uncle Craig died the same week Mom bought me a training bra. Most people might consider one of those things to have meaning, while the other lacks significance, but I disagree. My Dad’s brother was never anyone’s favorite, and he certainly did me no favors when abandoning me, so I cared less than I should, whereas wearing my first bra was a monumental and frightening deal.
I was sure Dad noticed when I dropped my bra in the laundry, but I thanked God he said nothing and only glanced at it when he carried a basket of dirty clothes to Lizzie’s place.
It was a big week. I had gained something that frightened me and lost something bad that scared me far more. My life was changing, and now, with Uncle Craig gone, I had discovered something new about myself and needed to discuss it with Sierra.
After dressing silently, I bypassed two highly trained security dogs that slept soundly at the end of my bed. I clambered through my window and down a wisteria trellis, checking at the bottom that no security guards were patrolling.
I saw the men in their guard hut, watching TV, so I stomped through the snow to our stables. My secret adventure was necessary because I knew Mom and Dad would want to come, but then, I couldn’t talk to Sierra.
I leaned into Sierra’s face, stroking her, enjoying the warmth and confidence of a horse I shared.