Etta pushed on the door but it did not budge. Leaning against it she pushed with all her weight behind her. The door slowly opened and a wave of cold hit Etta in the face. Continuing on she had to shield her eyes when the door fully opened. All she could see was white. Stepping out her doorway, Etta felt and heard the crunch under her feet. She hesitated for a moment before venturing out further. The snow nearly reached her waist, making it hard for Etta to move. She kept moving forward toward the barn in the distance. Every breath she took left Etta feeling like ice was piercing her lungs. Her breath came out faster as she struggled to her destination. It took an eternity, at least that is how Etta felt, but she finally made it to the barn. Pushing one of the barn doors slightly open, Etta slipped in. Closing the door behind her Etta leaned against it.

Etta stood there for several minutes, catching her breath and trying to warm her hands. When she felt that she could go on she made her way over to a table in the corner. Grabbing the lantern, Etta prayed the matches she had in her pocket were not soaked. Letting out a sigh of relief Etta stuck a match across the box and a flame ignited. Using the flame Etta lit the lamp. Light filtered through the barn, allowing her to see the stalls that lined the walls. A horsehead poked out of one of the stalls and greeted Etta as she came closer. She reached out and stroked his muzzle.

“How are you doing old man? Did you finish everything?” The horse bobbed his head and let out a neigh. Etta’s hand undid the latch on the door. “Back up York or I won’t be able to check your food and water.”

York did not move until she pushed on his shoulder. Walking over to the two buckets she saw they were both empty. Taking the buckets from their hooks Etta exited the stall. York stood at the door of the stall whining as she walked away.

“Come on out you big dope. I have to clean your stall anyway.” She grabbed his halter and the lead line. Approaching York she tried to place it on his head but he raised his head. She kept trying and he kept moving his head out of reach.

“You idiot, do you want to keep standing in your own filth. Let me put this on you.” York finally cooperated and she got the halter on. Tying the lead to a ring, Etta began cleaning out his stall. It took a while but she finally finished. Turning back to York she saw that he had dozed off. Letting out a chuckle Etta filled his buckets with water and food. Walking back over to York she nocked on a board close to him. His head shot up.

“I’ve got your stall ready. Let’s get you back in it.” Etta led York back into the stall and removed the halter. York immediately went to his food and ate. She left him and moved on to the other stalls, where she cleaned and fed the other housed animals. After taking care of everyone Etta headed to the barn doors and left. The snow had started again while she was tending to York and the others. She created a new path to her house. Halfway there she noticed something by her house. As she got closer a man and a horse came into view. Etta stopped and wondered if she should go back to the barn, but quickly dismissed that thought. Continuing on she walked past him and to her front door.

“Are you not going to say hi Etta?” She ignored him and reached for her door handle. Turning the knob she tried to open it but found the door would not budge. Looking up she saw that a hand was keeping the door shut. Etta turned back to the man.

“What do you want James?”

“For you to stop playing and to come back home.” Etta crossed her arms and leaned back against her door.

“I am home and you are unwelcomed.”

“Are you serious Etta? I mean look at this place.” James gestured toward her house. “Is this how you want to live, in this rundown place.”

“It has been repaired and I am quite happy here,” Etta stated still leaning against the door. She glared at James as he leaned over her.

“Come on Etta it’s time to stop playing. Your family…”

“Don’t.” Etta cut him off, uncrossed her arm, and got into his face. “Don’t mention my family. They have no say in my life or decisions.”

James leaned back and studied Etta. He saw the anger on her face and how she stood there trembling. Shaking his head he reached out to touch her but she stopped him.

“Etta you can not run forever.”

“I’m not running, I’m living.” They both study each other.