Spirit Riding Free: Pru's Diary

Diary Entry

Dear New Diary,

It’s been almost four weeks that I’ve been on the road with Lucky and Abigail and El Circo Dos Grillos. The time has flown by. This is the most amazing adventure of my whole life. When Abigail and I went to Lucky’s house and discovered that she’d run away to join the circus, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d join the circus, too.

Who’d have guessed?! Me! A clown?! I used to have terrible stage fright, and now, it’s pretty easy for me to perform with Boomerang. As Abigail says (over and over), “Who’d’ve thunk it?”

I know… all this clowning around should be impossible for someone like me, but Boomerang makes it easy. That horse has been a clown his whole life, even if he didn’t know it. The first time we were in the ring together, the performance was an accident. He got away from me, I tried to catch him… after a few bumps and falls… ta-da—we were a clown show. Now we’re professionals, with costumes and decorations and a fan club, real live applauding and cheering fans. WOW!

Abigail and Lucky are so supportive that they gave me this book to write down my creative ideas for the show… but I think I’ll use it for something more. I have a secret to share, and I figure a diary can’t tell anyone else… right? I’m not complaining or anything. I mean, I really love it here, and being with Abigail and Lucky all the time is the best thing in the world. The work is hard—setting up shows and breaking them down makes my muscles ache—but it’s also really fun, and seeing the circus come together is amazing. The food off the chuck wagon is good. I love seeing new parts of the frontier and have been to beautiful places I never even imagined. Every day is new and exciting, but the thing is…

And this is hard to admit….

But…

I miss home. I mean, when Abigail and I discovered fluffy pillows, instead of Lucky, in Lucky’s bed, we left Miradero that very same day. We didn’t pack our own clothes or say good-bye to anyone. I left some notes, but it’s not the same as giving someone a big hug when you go away and saying, “See you later…. ”

My mom and dad know where I am, and we send letters, but it’s not like being in Miradero, sleeping in my own room or working in the stable, mucking out Chica Linda’s very own stall.

I have a letter from my dad that always cheers me up. Since this is the first entry in my new diary, I am going to put it here to read it whenever I want. The letter is a little torn and dirty, since I’ve read it a million times already, but it makes me super happy.

Pru,

Your mother and I understand that you’re out on the range, helping your friends on an adventure. We were worried at first… and might have grounded you for a year, if we’d only known your plans. But since we didn’t get that chance, we’re satisfied with knowing we raised you well and trust that you know how to make it for a while on your own.

Thanks for letting us know you arrived safely at the circus. We want you to know how very proud we are of you.

Your mom and I agree that every foal needs to learn to walk on his own legs. You’ve seen how it happens in the stable or in the field. The newborn babe stumbles as he tries to stand for the first time. He takes a few wobbly steps. Then he rises to his full height and joins the herd.

You’re not a babe anymore, but you’re still like the foal. You may stumble, but know this, Pru—your friends and family are behind you to help steady your legs. Rise up, Pru Granger, and walk tall in that circus of yours.

We look forward to the day you come back home. We’ll build a campfire and gather round to hear your wild stories from the frontier. Maybe you can show us your clown act? We’d all like that.

You should also know, Pru, that I hired Turo to do some of your chores while you’re gone. He wants you and Abigail and Lucky to know he built you all a surprise in the horse stalls for when you get back.

That’s all from Miradero.

Dad

PS: Your mom says, “Eat your vegetables.”

My dad’s not a super-emotional guy, but he sure does write a nice letter! And I wonder what Turo did in the horses’ stalls. I’m sure Spirit, Boomerang, and Chica Linda will love it—whatever it is.

Okay, Diary, that’s enough for today.

Lucky and Abigail are waiting for me. We gotta get ready for our next stop—Durango City! I can’t wait to show off what Boomerang and I have planned. This show’s going to be the best one yet.