It had been a naughty trick, and she was a naughty filly.
‘What do you say.’ Pa looked sternly down his nose at her.
She said nothing.
‘Smith.’
She said nothing.
‘Smith.’
A burst of pain across her face, like a rip of scalding water. For a moment, blackness. She felt tears threaten at the corners of her eyes, and turned back to him slowly. ‘Sorry,’ she muttered.
‘Sorry what.’
‘Sorry, Apple Rose.’
Apple Rose looked stricken. ‘I, uh...’
They exchanged a small hug, and after dinner, Pa kissed them both and, quietly, hoped she always knew he loved her.

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