“Granny, I told ya already, me an’ Big Mac’ve got this!”

“Ptooey, times like this ya need all hooves on deck.” Beyond AJ and Mac, Granny sees there’s at least a dozen leaning trees, split trunks, exposed root tangles. There’ll be more further in. Some trees are always gonna get ‘emselves uprooted by a storm so fiesty. Time is of the essence when it comes to fixin’ the mess.

“You’re in no shape to be digging an’ pulling trees upright.”

“Consarn it, I know that!”

But the anger’s a spark that flares out quick. She sags, weighed down by everything she can’t do no more.

“Granny…”

“I can still survey which trees we can save,” she mutters.

“It’s dangerous underhoof—”

“I ain’t an invalid! Just old!” She lifts her chin high. “Don’t tell me how to walk around my own farm!”

No time for moping when there’s trees to save.

Author's Note

July 2020: "After the Storm"

Got an honourable mention.