Suerte
Suerte's eyes began to water as she stared down at the girl. Trauma is a strange thing. She could see herself reflected in those eyes and all at once, she remembered everything.
Suerte's hometown was a small two-story wooden home, complete with a cute little creeky porch. Every day she would sit outside with her parents, shooting cans off of trees in the distance, watching the sun set. That warm crimson sky, the dry oppressive air, the feeling of cool metal in her palm: it all felt so vivid. It was such a good day, a day like any other.
Suerte reached for her gun, only for her mind to be assaulted with another image. Taking in a deep breath, she walked the truck to the side so it couldn't just fall back on top of her. "Hold on sweetie! I'm coming for you I promise!"
"We will be ok, we promise!"
The family was under cover in the house. They were hidden in a makeshift bunker behind layers upon layers of special reinforced tables. Today she had found out that their house was built for a gunfight.
"Pa! No! You can't!" she protested. "You can't leave me alone! I'm scared...."
She could still remember that somber smile. At the time it was reassuring powerful even. No, it still was now. He looked happy, maybe defiant, as if he was fighting the impossible odds with a smile alone. "Trust me, your Daddy is the best Cowboy in town."
"I thought you said that was mom!"
The man stared at the ground. "Well shes gone now, so thats me!" he chuckled. Suerte started crying. It was a bad joke to tell to a frightened child, but she always appreciated it. "Look. Even if something happens to me you'll be fine. Just remember what I taught you ok?"
Suerte rushed over to the debris, throwing aside every piece of rubble. The second the girl was clear, she embraced her. "See? I told you! You'll be ok! I promised! Just... stay with me alright? I'll keep you safe."