To Catch a Falling Star
by
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They were on an old path made by logging equipment many years earlier. Here and there tree stumps left from the harvested trees, stood as a reminder of the old trees and the activity once there. Now old and black as they decayed, they were of no consequence to the new growth of trees around them. The new trees formed a tall umbrella of green limbs and leaves overhead that let the sun twinkle through only occasionally. This second growth of trees consisted of poplar trees sprinkled with a mixture of maple, birch and oaks. Each making the most of their chance at the sun and space left to them by the removal of the old timber, they grew tall and straight until their limbs wove together in a tangle overhead.
Julie’s daze was abruptly ended when King snorted with displeasure, and then stopped suddenly with his front legs stiffened ready to flee. Julie braced herself, stiffening her own legs and feet in the stirrups. She was ready in case he should suddenly shy to either side. There was some movement ahead just off to the right of the trail.
It wasn’t like King to act this way. He was a good trail horse. He moved through water, up and down sharp slopes and didn’t shy around moving cars. He was even good with the sound of guns firing. His actions now gave Julie a moment of uneasiness. The thought of bears in the woods flashed through her mind.
Straining to see up the trail ahead, moving her head back and forth while listening intently, she finally made out the cause of the problem. It was a white plastic shopping bag, with its handles caught on a dead limb lying on the ground about thirty yards ahead of them. The breeze had inflated it and it was now standing on end waving back and forth.
A sigh of relief went through her. “Trash,” she thought. “It’s everywhere.” She wondered how it had gotten so far out into the woods. Had it sailed through the air from some distant place or had someone else been back on the trail and carelessly left it behind.
The thought of garbage along “her trail” did not set well, nor did the thought that there might be other people around.
She took control of King. He responded to her firmness and left his stance to move cautiously forward. Julie’s assurance was enough for him; his training had taught him to trust. Shortly Julie dismounted and tied King to a tree. She walked over, loosened the bag and stuffed it into her pocket. Taking King’s rein in hand, she then led him along the trail. She loved it here. She wished this time could go on forever.
“I’d better turn back,” she thought. It was getting late and she had already stayed too long and gone too far. Her aunt would be concerned if she was not back very soon. Concern would turn to worry and then her uncle would be sent to look for her. Julie knew it was genuine concern for her and surprisingly she kind of liked it, knowing someone was there for her, thinking and caring where she was and that she was okay. It was an important need in her life right now.
Earlier, before Julie came to them, Aunt Erma and Uncle Henry sat on their porch one clear starry evening. Julie was on their mind. They were aware of her parent’s situation. They gazed at the stars and shared feelings of concern for
“We are not so young to take on the raising of a child,” Aunt Erma cautioned.
Formats Book Details Julie, neglected and withdrawn, turns to her horse, King, her one friend always there for her. Carrying her away on long rides or “listening” to her problems, he becomes her one refuge.
Set in a farming community of central Minnesota, the story is one of contrast between neglectful parents and the openly caring aunt and uncle who see Julie as a “falling star.” Julie finds a happy place for herself with Aunt Erma and Uncle Henry on the family farm. Her interaction there and self-discovery take her from a withdrawn, shy young girl to a well-adjusted young woman.
Readers will find the story of Julie growing up captivating and appreciate the third generation pride for their Minnesota farm and German heritage
A teacher with thirty-three years experience, Mr. Mostoller has a BA and master’s
About the Book
About the Author
degrees in elementary education. He has taught classrooms in grades three through six working with literally thousands of children. More recently, he teaches classes in reading strategies through literature to children eight to twelve years old. He enjoys writing stories with realistic characters and plots. North Central Minnesota has been his lifelong home with his wife, four children, and nine grandchildren. His writings reflect real-life experiences with characters that readers will identify with, or as someone they know. His characters’ emotional ups and downs command the reader’s attention as they wait to learn the outcome.
