500 Word Short Story
Widowmaker
Scott A. Gese
500 Word Short Story
Hector Martinez sat on a straw bale next to the horse stalls. He leaned back against the wall, pulled his hat over his eyes, stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles. He had to think.
Hector followed the rodeo circuit. He was a bull rider. Not a champion, but decent enough to win the prize money he needed to pay his entry fees and have a little left over. Today he was having second thoughts about continuing his chosen field.
His father wanted him to stick close to home and work the ranch with him. His wife, Samantha, who accompanied him part of the time, was supportive. She wanted Hector to be happy. She did hope that at some point he would settle down so they could start a family.
Hector had already broken several bones and his arm had been jerked from its socket once already. If he kept it up, he would soon become a broken down old man. That's not what he wanted, but the adrenaline rush of climbing onto the back of a Brahma bull was addictive.
Today he had drawn a bull called Widowmaker. This was a very dangerous rank bull. Men had tried, but no one had ever ridden him. Two men ended up in the hospital and one was gored to death after he was bucked off. Most men won't ride a rank bull, and this one was more dangerous than most.
He could give it a try. It would pay well if he went the distance, but with Widowmaker, things could go bad for him if he came up short.
His friend “Hash” McElroy sat down next to Hector and slapped him on the leg. Hector tilted up his hat.
“What's up?”
“Heard you're ridin' Widowmaker? How about signing your truck over to me before you do?”
“Fat chance. I drew him, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna' ride him. They don't call that bull Widowmaker for nothin'. I'm still thinkin' on it.”
“What's 'Sam' think?”
“I haven't told her yet. I'm sure she won't be happy. I'm heading back to the trailer in a minute.”
“I think you should give it a shot. Hell, you'd be famous if you rode him out.”
“Ya, and I could end up dead if I didn't. It's a tough choice. Fame or misfortune.”
“I'll let you know what I decide.”
Back at the trailer, Hector told Sam the situation.
“Look Hector,” replied Sam. “I want you to be happy, but to be honest, that bull scares the shit out of me.”
“To be honest, it does me too,” confided Hector.
“Well then you need to make a choice.”
~~~~
Hash and a couple of boys were hanging out around the stables when one of them remarked, “Hey Hash, Ain't that Hectors rig pulling out of the lot?”
“It sure is. I guess he made his decision.”
Hector was now a rancher.
© Copyright 2019 by Scott A. Gese All Rights Reserved.
