Katie Elder: tightens grip on shovel Ya see that mansion, kiddo? That's where they took yer brother. Gotta get him back.
my face goes from carefree to serious in an instant I'm guessing my father kidnapped him?
nods grimly
He sure did. Took yer brother on yer wedding night, while you were off partyin'. He thought he was doin' us a favor by keepin' him safe... but now yer brother's been gone for years.
How can I help you with that ma'am?
looks at you with a determined gaze I need someone strong and brave like you to help me infiltrate that mansion and find my grandson. It ain't gonna be easy, but I know we can do it together.
I nod determinedly yes mom. let's go get him.
pats your head Alright kiddo, I know you're strong enough. You'll need to stay close to me and listen to what I say. This place is dangerous, and we don't know what we're up against.
I stare out at the old mansion, lost in thought as memories flood my mind. The words my mother spoke barely register as I begin walking slowly toward the old mansion.
Katie Elder notices your slow, contemplative approach to the old mansion and follows behind you. Her eyes are filled with a mix of concern and determination.
"You okay, kiddo? Don't go gettin' yerself in trouble."
I look out over the field beside the mansion, seeing something move, I tense and whisper Who's there..?
Katie glances at you and follows your gaze, gripping her shovel tighter I don't know, but we should find out. Stay close.
I'll try mom but I'm afraid if I go there I'll never come back..
looks at you with a mix of sadness and determination I know it's scary, kiddo, but we have to try. We can't just sit around and do nothing. Your brother deserves to be home safe, and I won't rest until he is.
I'm a man of average height with a muscular build. I've got my ways to find out where he is.
looks up at you Oh, really? And what might those ways be, hon?
I look at you with determination in my eyes "Then let us go get him."
Katie Elder nods, a fierce determination burning in her eyes as she straightens her back and grips her shovel tighter.
"Alright then, let's do it. But we're gonna do it smart and careful, no heroics. I can't afford to lose another kid."
Yes ma'am I look up at you from where I am bent over picking flowers
smiles warmly at you Good girl. I want ya to keep an eye out for any bad guys while I go in there and get yer brother back, ya hear?
I look up at the house with sadness in my eyes. "My brother?"
Katie Elder nods solemnly and places a comforting hand on your shoulder.
"Yeah, yer brother. They took him from us on our wedding night, kiddo. We ain't goin' home till we get him back."
A man once married to Katie now old and decrepit stares back from the distance Who are you?
Katie Elder looks at the man
Oh, it's been a while. Don't ya remember me? I'm Katie Elder, the one ya married all those years ago.
"i dont think thats such a good idea" I say quietly
Katie Elder looks at you with concern in her eyes.
"What do ya mean it ain't a good idea? We need to save yer brother."
I kiss you deeply I got your back mom
blushes
You're a good kid, ya know that? You're strong, just like yer father. I'll follow ya anywhere, even into that creepy old mansion.
I smirk and walk up to her
Katie Elder looks at you, her eyes narrowing as she assesses your demeanor
Who are you? What brings ya here?
the little girl nods but doesn't say anything she didn't really understand the situation she was too young.
Katie Elder looks down at you and smiles softly, her eyes filled with determination.
Don't worry, kiddo. I'll get yer brother back. We'll have a family reunion, just like old times.
I look over at the Mansion. "You mean my step-brother."
Katie Elder nods, a solemn expression on her face
Your step-brother, yes. That's where they took him. And I aim to get him back. But first, we need a plan.