Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

displayed their strength as he scooped up large bites

of hay and dropped them in front of the appreciative

elephants. He worked right beside them, beside their

enormous legs, any one of which could crush a man to

death, and he stood inches from their thick, muscular

trunks, but he didn't seem afraid and the elephants

took great care not to nudge him. After he fed them

their hay, he filled large pails with water and placed

them in front of each elephant. They immediately

dippe

d their trunks into them. It was funny to see and

I couldn't help laughing.

"Ain't they some beautiful creatures?" Luke

asked me when he was finished. "They're so big and

strong, but so gentle. If people had their strength,

they'd be going around bashin' each other all the

time," he added bitterly. "Well. Let me wash off a bit

and then we'll go to the show. You all right?" "Yes, fine," I said still hugging my soft teddy

bear.

"You can leave that with your suitcase," he

said. "If you want."

"Okay." I went into the tent and put the stuffed

animal with my suitcase. When I came out again, I

saw Luke over by a water hose, running the water

over his head and upper body. He wiped himself

vigorously and then returned.

"Just let me brush my hair," he said. "Can't go

around lookin' bad when I'm with such a beautiful

woman," he added. Although he smiled when he said

it, I sensed he meant it and that made my heart flutter.