Widow's Ranch

Chapter 20 and Epilogue

Buckles and Bows

Doris and Susan were going over their monthly budgets for the ranch operation. They had been running steadily for over a year, with many women entering the program, some staying on long-term, and many rotating out. There were a few who came and had to come back a few more times because they found it hard to leave their abusive situations at first. Doris suggested that everyone who entered the program register for free counseling sessions to mitigate repeat stays. The ranch aimed to empower women to make tough choices and stand on their own two feet. Alice and Leah had returned to school to become licensed councilors, and the nonprofit set up through the ranch paid their wages to support the women who cycled through. They could now contribute to their daily expenses and not depend on the ranch’s generosity.