jesca2

Do you deny it?

I'm worried, Jessica. Is your stubborn refusal to face your discomfort a sign of strength, or are you just embarrassed to admit that coming out to the frontier was a mistake?

Maybe you ain't really prepared to live out here. Maybe you just didn't want to stay at Blacksteel.

I...

I...

The old man takes out a coin and tosses it into the air. It lands on the back of his hand, and he covers it with his other hand.

What are you doing?

Couldn't make up my mind. My heart wants you to stay, but my mind tells me you should go back to your family. So I'll leave the decision to fate.

Heads or tails?

And if I guess right?

Then you can stay. But if you guess wrong, I'll have someone take you home.

This is ridiculous. You have no right to make that decision for me.

It ain't me. It's the coin.

...It makes no difference, Woody.

Make a choice. You know me. I say something, I mean it.

No... I...

Alright...

You're right, Woody. I felt frustrated.

I admit it. I wasn't ready. Life on the frontier is strange and unfamiliar.

Caring for burdenbeasts, fixing fences, raising foals... it's all new to me. All the skills I learned at Blacksteel mean nothing here.

Do you regret it, Jessica?

No. I don't regret it, and I'm not leaving, whether that coin comes up heads or tails.

No one is ever completely ready. The only thing I can do is tell myself not to be afraid, whatever comes.

I made a choice, and I intend to take responsibility. If I choose to stay, I'll stay. I won't let a stupid coin make my decision for me.

And I...

What is it?

I want to stay with you guys.

Just because your grandpa left you doesn't mean you have to find someone else to fill the void.

I'm sorry...

Jessica, you bonehead.

Woody...

This is no stupid coin.

The old man raises his arm, revealing the object on the back of his hand.

It is flat, round and solid, with a star etched in the center, gleaming in the morning light.

In Columbia, Pioneers give it to someone worthy of trust. Someone who will protect the camp from trouble and threats.

Th-This is your sheriff badge.

It's yours now. You think you're not ready. I think you are.

What...?

The only preparation you need to face the future is to not be afraid of it.

C'mere. I'll pin it on for you.

...Am I really ready to wear this?

Of course. You're willing to cry for a stranger. That means you're willing to fight for 'em.

I knew it the moment I saw you.

...I promise. I'll take care of everyone while you're away.

I mean it.

She touches the badge on her chest, then suddenly hears a bellowing from the forest. The duo turn around and look towards the sound.

A herd of burdenbeasts emerges from the forest. At the rear is a tiny foal, its steps unsteady yet determined.