It had been a busy and enjoyable period at the Double K Ranch. Christmas was over and as the New Year was ushered in, there was a perceptible shift in Kara's mood and purpose. Surely, she thought, life could always be like this. Why should she be buffeted and shifted by Mr. Kara's movements and whereabouts? Why shouldn't she be anchored by her belief in her own value and self worth? She gazed up into the clear blue sky above the Double K and thought "God has my back and all is well".
The Double K had been filled with music and laughter in Mr.Kara's absence. On his return would the ranch fall back into a morose silence with muttered hellos and goodbyes? Would Kara be under self imposed exile living her days out in one section of the ranch? These thoughts passed through her mind fleetingly only to be dismissed almost as quickly.
No. The answer was no. She was on her way and there was no turning back. Even a quick glance in the mirror confirmed the difference. New haircut. Check. New clothes. Check. New shoes. Check Check. She was looking better than she ever had, there was no doubt about that. But it was more than that for these were superficial changes. She was even better on the inside.
Yes, the return of Mr. Kara was forthcoming. But the return of the true Kara had already come forth.
