Shortly after dinner, everyone but the men assigned as sentries were usually sound asleep.We stayed south of the Missouri River the entire trip. The s...reams were fuller this time compared to our trek from St. Louis to Independence, but the weather was warmer, and we only had one day of rain. Game was easier to find along this route, too. Madison and I could both get a deer every day, and even a few pigs a couple of times. The two times we found pigs, we shot six of the porkers, and the men. Sometimes, I can’t tell if the two of them are joking or hitting on me. But either way, the three of us are really good friends. Mikayla and I stop at a café before heading over to the mall. I get myself a large caramel mocha with extra whip cream. Actually, I’m not sure if it’s still coffee after you’ve drowned it in chocolate, caramel, and whip cream. But who really cares, it tastes so good. Mikayla gets a cup of green tea, with a hint of lemon. I watch her grimace as I take my first sip.. Luckily, any further attempts topass the time ended when Shelly plopped a tray down next to me and herbutt in the chair between me and Josie."I swear, I am going to burn my meal card and tell my parents to startsending me cash. If I keep having to choose between a trio of inediblechoices, I think I'm going to develop an eating disorder on purpose."The tray held two chicken sandwiches similar to that on Josie's plate,a double portion of what may or may not have been pasta salad, and abunch of. The girl herself was very quiet and said very little. Mainly, shesait in a corner of the shop, wearing the little junior riding habit theJeffersons had temporarily provided her with. Minna went over to themystery girl and asked her sweetly:"Don't you want anything for Christmas, dearie?" NO!" the girl cried. "Absolutely NOT! The only thing Christmas hasever given me is pain and suffering, and I want nothing from it!"MInna then put the carefully disguised Silver Sorceress dolls up in themain.