Cactus Cody and the Heart of the Herd

by

Thomas

Thomas

Cactus Cody and the Heart of the Herd

A story about Valentine's Day

for your 4th Grader.

Cactus Cody stands at the edge of a wooden sidewalk, tipping his hat toward an old saloon door. In the background, rows of storefronts under a clear morning sky

Valentine’s Day dawned bright in the town of Rusty Spur, where dusty roads stretched between wooden saloons and lively shops. Everyone was excited to exchange kind words and small gifts, but Cactus Cody was most eager to greet his favorite horse, Star.

Cactus Cody strokes Star’s muzzle, his boots kicking up a swirl of dust on the road. In the background, creaking saloon doors and wooden awnings

Cactus Cody, known for his fearless spirit and love of horses, patted Star’s muzzle gently. He had planned to spend this special day riding through the mountains, feeling the cool breeze on his face as they explored together.

A tall wooden water trough is overturned, water spilling onto the dusty street. In the background, cactuses and dust swirl

Suddenly, Star whinnied loudly and galloped away, leading a group of startled horses straight out of town. Hooves pounded against the ground, and a tall wooden water trough toppled over in the ruckus.

Cactus Cody sprinting after Star, his cowboy hat held tight. In the background, towering mountains under a bright sun

“Star, come back!” Cactus Cody shouted, heart racing. He dashed down the dirt road, determined to uncover why Star had panicked on a day meant for celebrating kindness and friendship.

A half-buried wagon wheel lies near the trail, slightly tilted in the dirt. In the background, rolling hills with sparse shrubs

Following Star’s trail, Cactus Cody noticed a half-eaten flower near the edge of the path. It was shaped like a little heart, and its sweet scent seemed to linger on the breeze. He picked it up, puzzled about what Star was running toward.

Cactus Cody kneeling down to examine hoofprints, face set with determination. In the background, tall pines and rugged foothills

He pressed on, recalling a tip his father once taught him: when a horse is frightened, stay calm and speak gently. Keeping these wise words in mind, Cactus Cody tracked hoofprints deeper into the rocky trails.

Cactus Cody stands at the river’s edge, shading his eyes with one hand. In the background, swirling flood waters under a cloudy sky

Soon, a sudden roar filled the air as a fast-rising river blocked Cactus Cody’s path. Star’s tracks disappeared beyond the rushing waters, leaving him to puzzle over how to cross safely.

A sturdy leather saddle lies in the mud, partially covered by wet leaves. In the background, rocky riverbanks and scattered driftwood

Nearby, the ground was muddy, and he noticed a sturdy leather saddle lying facedown in the muck. Using his wits, Cactus Cody crafted a simple raft from fallen branches, determined to reach Star and find out what was truly happening.

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