Emma Howard watched the clock on the wall out of the corner of her eye.

Five year old Kayleigh Nelson stared up at the imposing face of Shenandoah County Elementary School and tried to swallow the terror that was rising in her throat.

Five year old Emma Howard pressed her nose against the cage and looked into the eyes of the terrified Yorkshire Terrier.

“ Mama, is it okay if Hannah Beth and I ride down to Wild Pony Canyon?” Emma Howard asked. “ We want to look for the white stallion.”

“ How do you like the new colt, Emma?” John Howard asked his daughter.

John Howard watched as the mist rose from Wild Pony Creek and glided over the bottom land of Wild Pony Ranch.

John Howard and his wife anxiously watched the two finalists in the school spelling bee seated on the auditorium stage.

“Huger Monroe’s coming to town, daddy,” Emma exclaimed. “Can we go to see him?”

“Frank’s coming for a visit,” John Howard exclaimed as he burst into the kitchen.

John Howard opened the barn door and quickly jumped out of the way as a small ball of fur sped past him.