Chapter 15 has been uploaded - and I'm proud to report that this book has made it to the finalists in a 2023 book award.
This story is scoring well into the top 50 stories (it's slowly climbing and would be #17 at present), but it needs more votes to make the list.
So - please vote!
The following morning, Euan was there as I dragged myself around the oval. I pulled up a lap short of my usual run, struggling to find the will to push myself into the final circuit.
“Eh, lassie, ye’s draggin’ today.”
I bent forward, catching my breath, resting my hands on my knees.
“The world’s pressin’ on ye?”
I stood up, nodding.
“’Tis nae good.” He huffed. “Ye have ta press back, else ye’ll be crushed.” His ‘r’s rolled over me, breaking waves surging against my gloom.
I pulled a wry face, still sucking in deep breaths.
Euan sniffed. “Ye’s young and fit. Ye have t’ choose – push or gae under.”
“And if I have no choice?” I tried to keep my voice neutral, but I heard the tinge of self-pity there.
From the look on Euan’s face and the snap in his voice, he heard it too. “Ye’ve always a choice.” His eyes drifted away over my head and his voice came from the distance of decades. “Ye can gi’ up ’n run – or stand wi’ ye mates as the guns thunder around ye …”
I watched as he brought himself back into the present.
He stooped to fondle the collie’s ears. “’Tis nae gunfire pressin’ on ye. But whate’er ’tis, ye’s not alone.” His voice held fierce conviction. “There’s alus people standin’ with ye.” His eyes gripped mine until his gaze forced a nod from me.
“Now, gae run another lap – and do this one proper, wi’out the lead in ye boots I saw afore.”
A shiver ran through me as I set off. Euan was right – I was not alone: Lizzie, Euan, Aunt Anastasia and, of course, Mutti; they all stood with me, despite my secrets. When I looked up halfway through the lap. Euan was gone, his job done.
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