The Sled of Death, A Child's Silent Mourning

The horse trainer my dad hired said I broke her brand-new saddle.

She claimed my mom made me do it.

To punish Mom, Dad tied her to a horse and played a game he called "The Sled."

I couldn't stop the galloping stallion. I could only stand there and cry.

Mom became the sled. She eventually fell asleep in the stable, and no matter how much I called her, she wouldn't wake up.

I was so scared. I kept calling my dad's phone like crazy.

"Daddy, Mommy's asleep. I can't wake her up."

"Gabbie will