Chapter 28 - The Old Cottonwood
Years later, Samuel sat beneath the cottonwood tree where the six travelers had eaten their first meal.
The ranch had changed.
The barn had been rebuilt.
The house had a new roof.
The spring had become the center of the valley.
Children played nearby.
Samuel watched them.
Red Willow's grandson approached.
He carried a small wooden bowl.
"My grandfather says you should have this."
Inside was a polished stone.
The same symbol from the mountains.
Samuel held it.
"What does it mean?"
The boy smiled.
"Not forgotten."
Samuel looked toward the mountains.
He finally understood.
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The phrase had never been a promise of repayment.
It had been a promise of memory.
