Page 18 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“Very,” Heather assured him.

“Wonderful.” His smile faded. “Heather, I want to emphasize that the small hairline fracture in your wrist requires careful attention,” he said, his tone turning cautious. “If you’re not cautious and don’t allow it to heal properly, there’s a risk that the fracture could worsen instead of getting better.”

She gulped. “I understand, Dr. Anderson. I want to get better, and I don’t want to make things worse.”

“It’s crucial to avoid activities that could put unnecessary strain on your wrist, especially during the initial stages of healing. Follow the treatment plan, use the wrist support as recommended, and let your physical therapist guide you through exercises that won’t exacerbate the injury.”

“I’ll be careful, and I’ll communicate with the project team about any adjustments I need to make. My health comes first.”

“That’s what I like to hear, Heather. With proper care and attention, your wrist should heal well, and you’ll be back to full strength in no time.”

Dr. Anderson’s warning served as a reminder of the importance of balancing dedication to one’s work with the need for self-care and recovery. Heather left the clinic with a newfound commitment to following her treatment plan diligently. Her health and well-being were paramount, both for her own sake and for her continued contributions to the Haunted Harvest project.

Still, she was ready to get back to contributing her creative talents to the charitable event. She was determined to prioritize her health and ensure that she could continue contributing her creative talents to the Haunted Harvest project in a way that was safe and sustainable.

Above all, she was eager to face the challenges of her wrist injury while continuing to be an essential part of the Haunted Harvest project.

As she drove to her parents’ house where she was staying as she recovered and was between jobs, a deep sense of determination and a recognition of the need for divine guidance washed over her, and Heather took a moment to offer a heartfelt prayer to God. She sought strength, healing, and wisdom, asking for assistance in her journey to recover from her wrist injury and navigate her commitments to the Haunted Harvest project without overexerting herself.

“Dear God, I humbly ask for Your guidance and healing grace. Please help me mend my wrist and grant me the patience and wisdom to follow my treatment plan diligently. I pray that I won’t overdo it in my eagerness to contribute to the Haunted Harvest project, but rather find a balance that allows me to be of service while taking care of my health.”

She smiled to herself as she could feel peace come over her.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I trust in Your divine wisdom to guide me through this journey. Please watch over me and bless my efforts so that I may use my creative talents to make a positive impact on others, just as You have blessed me.”

With her prayer offered, Heather felt a sense of reassurance and inner harmony. She knew that her faith would provide her with the strength and resilience needed to face the challenges ahead. As she continued on her path to healing and contributing to the Haunted Harvest project, Heather carried with her a profound sense of purpose and the belief that with God’s help, she could overcome any obstacle that came her way.

CHAPTER9

In the midst of preparations for the Haunted Harvest at Hidden Creek Orchard, Jack was hard at work, tending to some of his daily chores on the farm. He carefully examined the rows of apple trees, ensuring they were healthy and ready for the upcoming event.

As he worked, Jack’s older brother, Roy, approached, his boots crunching on the fallen leaves beneath them. Roy, who was also deeply involved in the orchard’s operations, seemed to have something on his mind.

“Hey, Jack, got a moment?” Roy asked.

Jack looked up. “Of course, Roy. What’s on your mind?”

Roy leaned in, speaking in a hushed tone. “I wanted to talk to you about the Haunted Harvest. With everything going on, I think we need to have a chat about the logistics.”

Jack paused for a moment, wiping his hands on his jeans. He knew that organizing such a large-scale event required careful planning and coordination.

“You’re right, Roy. It’s getting closer, and there’s still a lot to do. To think I hoped it would be open for more than one weekend… We’re almost ready, though. What’s on your mind?

The two brothers began to discuss the various aspects of the Haunted Harvest, from the decorations and attractions to the logistics of ticket sales and visitor safety. They knew that working together and addressing any potential challenges was crucial to the event’s success. Jack recognized the need for comprehensive planning and organization to ensure the event’s success while prioritizing visitor safety and the charitable cause.

“Jack, let’s go over the decoration plan again,” Roy said. “I want to make sure everything is in place for that eerie ambiance we’re aiming for.”

Jack nodded, his cowboy hat shifting slightly. “Absolutely, Roy. We’ve got the lanterns, tombstones, and eerie signs set up throughout the orchard. The entrance archways are ready too. The haunted corn maze is complete, and Myles has been working on some spine-tingling ghost stories for the hayride.”

As they discussed the decorations, they touched on details such as the placement of props, the arrangement of spooky scenes, and the lighting effects that would create a truly immersive experience for visitors.

“Don’t forget the fog machines and the creepy sound effects. Those can really heighten the atmosphere.”

Jack grinned. Roy could be very detail-oriented at times.

“Right, we’ve got those strategically placed. And we’ll have designated safety staff keeping an eye on everything to ensure visitors have a safe but spine-tingling time.”

Their conversation then shifted to logistical matters, including ticket sales, visitor flow, and parking arrangements.

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