Sophie's Challenge
When the rain started in again, the whole house filled up with quiet tension. As we gathered at the kitchen table and indulged in Mama's homemade bean soup, we concentrated on the "rat–a–tat" of the rain drumming against the windows, and the wind whistling and rattling the screen door.
"Time to move to higher ground," Daddy announced quietly as he pushed back from the table. "You all know the drill." Sliding into his raincoat, he bent his head against the wind and headed out toward the barn where the horses moved restlessly in their stalls.
Rain had been falling on and off for two weeks, changing the peaceful river behind our house into a violent waterway that threatened to engulf the house. The muddy water had already swallowed up the garden and most of the lower pasture. Each of us had an assigned job, so Jake loaded up the truck and the car with blankets, flashlights, jugs of water, and other emergency items while Mama packed up food and made sandwiches. In the meantime, Mary got the baby's clothes and diapers packed; I was in charge of helping Dad with the horses.
"Scoot along now, Sophie," Mama said to me as I dawdled over my soup, "or Daddy will have completed all your chores for you."
By now, the wind was propelling the cold rain horizontally and relentlessly. As I stepped into the warmth of the barn, the rich smell of hay and horses assailed my senses, which always made me happy; even today was no exception, but my smile faded almost instantly.
Daddy had already fed the horses, which should have been my job. He did not glance in my direction when I came in, causing my face to burn as I remembered him chastising me for being lazy and indifferent where the horses were concerned.
"Haul the saddles into the hayloft," he said pointing to the overhead level. "Can't afford to have them ruined if the lower level floods." Together, silently, we secured the barn, until the only thing left to do was to drive the horses out. They would not be happy about galloping out into the rain, but they would automatically head to the high pasture where a lean–to provided shelter and no danger of them being caught by flood waters.
"Well, open the doors." His voice was impatient, partly angry at me and partly hurrying to beat the river's encroachment. I pulled the heavy double doors open; the hinges squeaked like a platoon of lost ghosts. Daddy slapped Miser's rump with his hat and shouted a loud "yee–ha," which caused the six horses to thunder out into the rain where they were swallowed up by the oncoming night.
Where was Prim? Simultaneously we stepped into her stall where the filly stood trembling, head down. Water was making its entrance under the barn door, and we knew time was running out. Daddy directed a stern look my way. "It's time to move out."
"I'm not leaving Prim," I said recklessly. "I'm going to ride her to the pasture." When he didn't answer I repeated my declaration loudly, only this time with tears in my voice, "I'm not leaving Prim." For the first time in two weeks Daddy broke into a small smile.
"I know," he responded quietly. "We'll join you in the morning. Take a blanket." Then he was gone. The silence that came after the sound of vehicles pulling away left me alone with the wind and the rain and a very nervous horse.
I slipped a bridle over her head and pulled myself onto her back, and with a little cluck, I headed her out of the barn and into the rain, which was no longer falling horizontally. She hesitated for only a moment, shying away and then surging forward at my command. My vision was limited to only a few feet, but Prim's instinct headed us in the right direction. It was slow going as she slipped on the muddy stones several times, causing her hooves to scramble to keep us upright. The thought of falling reinforced my fear of an impending disaster; however, she kept her footing, and I saw her ears prick up as she heard the other horses whinnying, indicating our close proximity to the pasture.
With the worst of the storm over, I huddled in the corner of the lean–to with all seven horses milling around me. The rain had let up even more, and I buried myself in my blanket, waiting for sunrise and my dad's approval—both of them slow in coming.
Two-Part Question
Multiple Choice Question
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A:
Which statement best describes the theme of "Sophie's Challenge"?
A.
determination without hope
B.
victory of spirit even in defeat
C.
passion without true conviction
B. victory of spirit even in defeat
Part B:
What does the story suggest about Sophie's character?
A.
She is reckless and impulsive.
B.
She is determined and loyal.
C.
She is indifferent and lazy.