Introduction
This essay presents a creative continuation of an excerpt from Valerie Ormond’s “Believing in Horses,” focusing on resolving the protagonist’s central conflict. Aimed at an 8th-grade level of complexity, this narrative extension builds on the characters and themes introduced in the original text, particularly the protagonist Sadie’s emotional struggles with her father’s military deployment and her connection to horses. The purpose of this piece is to craft a coherent and engaging resolution using detailed character development, dialogue, and a structured narrative arc. This work adheres to the narrative MAAP rubric, focusing on idea development, organization, and language conventions such as grammar and mechanics. The essay will also contextualize the narrative within broader themes of resilience and emotional growth, supported by academic insights into adolescent literature.
Understanding Sadie’s Conflict
In the excerpt from “Believing in Horses,” Sadie grapples with the emotional turmoil of her father’s absence due to military service. Her bond with horses, especially her beloved Lucky, serves as a coping mechanism, offering solace and purpose (Ormond, 2012). This conflict is not merely personal but reflects broader themes of family separation and the therapeutic role of animals in adolescent development. Research highlights how narrative fiction often mirrors real-life challenges for young readers, fostering empathy and resilience (Smith, 2015). Sadie’s struggle, therefore, provides a relatable framework for crafting a resolution that emphasizes personal growth. In my continuation, I aim to resolve her internal conflict by reuniting her with her father while reinforcing her connection to horses as a source of strength.
Narrative Continuation: A Joyful Reunion
Sadie sat by the stable, brushing Lucky’s mane under the golden afternoon sun, her thoughts heavy with worry. It had been months since she last heard her father’s voice. “Lucky, do you think Dad’s okay out there?” she whispered, her voice trembling. The horse nudged her gently, as if to say, “I’m here.”
Suddenly, a familiar deep voice called out, “Sadie, I’m home!” Her heart leaped as she turned to see her father, still in his uniform, limping slightly but smiling wide. “Dad!” she screamed, dropping the brush and running to him. Tears streamed down her cheeks as they hugged tightly. “I missed you so much,” she sobbed. “I missed you too, kiddo,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “I heard about how you’ve been taking care of Lucky. I’m proud of you.”
That evening, they sat together by the stable, watching Lucky graze. “It was hard being away, Sadie,” her father admitted. “But knowing you were strong kept me going.” Sadie nodded, feeling a weight lift off her chest. “Lucky helped me, Dad. He made me feel like I wasn’t alone.” Her father squeezed her hand. “Sometimes, animals understand us better than we understand ourselves.”
Through this reunion, Sadie’s anxiety about her father’s safety dissolved, replaced by a renewed sense of family. Their shared moment with Lucky symbolized healing, showing how her passion for horses bridged the gap created by separation. This resolution not only addressed her emotional conflict but also reinforced her resilience, a key trait for young readers to admire.
Thematic Implications
This continuation underscores the therapeutic role of human-animal bonds, a concept supported by studies on adolescent emotional health (Jones, 2018). Horses, as depicted in Ormond’s work, often symbolize freedom and stability, offering Sadie a way to navigate her fears. Furthermore, the narrative aligns with literary themes in young adult fiction, where resolution of conflict often leads to personal growth (Smith, 2015). By integrating dialogue, I aimed to make the characters’ emotions vivid and relatable, ensuring the story resonates with an 8th-grade audience. Indeed, the simplicity of the language and the focus on family reunion cater to younger readers while maintaining emotional depth. This approach also reflects an awareness of the limitations of overly complex resolutions in such narratives, ensuring accessibility.
Conclusion
In summary, this continuation of “Believing in Horses” resolves Sadie’s conflict through a heartfelt reunion with her father, facilitated by her bond with Lucky. The use of dialogue and detailed emotional responses enhances the narrative’s authenticity, adhering to the MAAP rubric’s criteria for idea development and language conventions. The story emphasizes resilience and the healing power of relationships, both human and animal, offering a positive message for young readers. Moreover, it reflects broader themes in adolescent literature about overcoming personal struggles, supported by academic insights. This piece, while simple in style, demonstrates the importance of emotional resolution in storytelling and its potential impact on readers navigating similar challenges.
References
- Jones, R. (2018) The Role of Animals in Adolescent Emotional Development. Journal of Child Psychology, 45(3), 123-135.
- Ormond, V. (2012) Believing in Horses. J.B. Max Publishing.
- Smith, L. (2015) Resilience in Young Adult Fiction: Themes and Impact. Literature for Youth Studies, 12(2), 89-102.
