As the girls packed their suitcases, Megan's heart ached. Summer passed too quickly and now it was time to rejoin the real world. No one talked, though they glanced at one another. Megan sat cross-legged on her bed and picked at the patchwork quilt to keep from crying.
Looking up, she saw Bridget's dream catcher. Pow-Wow memories overflowed Megan's mind. Colby's dance sparked a fire in her, bringing about a newfound zest for life. "Yes, life will prove challenging, but with his friendship and support, I can handle it. Who knows, love may enter the picture," Megan muttered. "Is it possible for a girl like me to find love amidst my hectic course schedule? Anything's possible at the Circle M, but once I leave do my dreams vanish or do they remain inside me?"
The sound of zippers grabbed her attention. Seeing the girls standing by their beds, suitcases in their hands, she said, "Are you sure you have everything?"
"Yes," they answered, barely above a whisper to hide the sadness lingering in their voices.
As if glued to the hardwood floor, no one moved. Circle M had worked her magic again. No one wanted to return to the real world. Here, dreams seemed possible, no matter how wild or over-the-top.
"I'm going to miss you," Megan said, tears in her eyes. Despite lack of time together, these kids were part of her. She hoped to see them again next summer.
The girls dropped their bags and rushed to her, practically knocking her down. "I'm asking my parents if I can come back next summer," Bridget said. "Will you be back?"
"Yes," Megan said. "This is my home."
"You are so lucky," Christa said. "I would give anything to live here or someplace like this."
"Go to school," Megan said. "Keep riding. Someday you could work at a ranch or own one."
"Really?" Christa said, beaming with wide-eyed enthusiasm. "Own a ranch?" she said, never blinking.
Megan knew the images playing in the young teenager's mind and she smiled. "Why not?" she said.
"Why not?" Christa said, nodding. "Thanks, Megan." They hugged again and then the young teenager skipped out of the cabin.
Outside the house all remained quiet. Anxious, yet sullen looks abounded. It was time to return to life and school, but what awaited them? Would the Circle M stay with them, or would new thoughts and ideas replace her?
As Megan looked around, she realized no one, including Danny, would ever forget the ranch.