Kayson is a friendly cowboy in the Desert Wastelands. He wears a wide hat and shiny boots. He carries a small rope and a silver badge on his chest. He rides his best friend Horse who has a soft mane and strong legs. They are happy together. Every morning they greet the sunrise with a song.
Every morning, Kayson and Horse set off on a gentle ride. They walk through sandy paths under a big blue sky. They trot past tall cactuses and bright desert flowers. Kayson smiles as he pats Horse’s mane. At sunset they rest by a flat rock and watch the sky glow.
One day, the sun was bright. Kayson tipped his hat and smiled. A fierce voice called from afar. The Rebel Leader rode in on a dark horse. He laughed and yelled, “Give me your hat!” Then he grabbed Kayson’s hat and galloped away. Kayson watched it fly over a sandy hill. His heart felt tight but he knew he must find it.
Kayson felt sad but he took a deep breath. He looked at Horse with kind eyes. Horse neighed softly and nudged him. Kayson sighed and said, “Let us find my hat, friend.” Horse whinnied then lowered his head. Kayson patted Horse’s mane. He climbed up and held the rope. They started across the hot sands. They would not give up. Together they felt brave.
Kayson and Horse moved forward. They crossed low dunes and soft sand valleys. The sun beat down but they stayed cool with water from their canteen. They followed small footprints that appeared in damp sand near a dry creek. They climbed over a rocky ledge. They smelled dry grass and saw tiny scorpions scurry under stones. Horse used his hoof to clear a small branch. Kayson cheered softly. They felt the wind change. The sky looked pale but they pressed on.
After a long walk, Kayson saw a dark cave opening in a red rock wall. The cave looked cool. Horse stepped inside first. Kayson held the rope tight. Inside, cool shadows danced. They could hear a distant laugh. It was the Rebel Leader. His dark horse stood near a pile of sand. On the sand lay Kayson’s hat. It shone under a single sunbeam. Kayson felt hope. Horse neighed and moved closer. They planned to talk first.
Kayson took out his silver badge. He said, “Rebel Leader, we seek our hat.” The Rebel Leader appeared from behind a rock. He looked surprised. Kayson smiled kindly. He held the badge high. Horse stamped its hoof. The Rebel Leader tilted his head. He asked, “Why do you want your hat?” Kayson answered, “It is special to me.” The cave was quiet. The wind stirred a soft song in the rock.
Kayson studied the Rebel Leader’s face. He then offered the badge. “Please take this badge as a gift, and return my hat.” The Rebel Leader paused. He looked at the shiny star. His eyes softened. He picked up the badge. He placed it on his coat. He handed the wide hat back to Kayson. Kayson felt joy. He put the hat on carefully. Horse neighed and nuzzled Kayson with pride.
Outside the cave, the sky was warm. Kayson, Horse, and the Rebel Leader stood together. They broke bread under a glowing sun. They shared a cup of fresh water by the cave mouth. He rode his dark horse home. Horse whinnied softly. All three felt calm and content. He held his hat and the silver badge close.
As Kayson and Horse rode home, the sun set in soft orange and pink. They sang their happy song as they walked down the sandy path. His wide hat and silver badge shone in the fading light. Horse neighed softly, happy at Kayson’s side. They reached home under a starry sky, both feeling safe and proud.