Rosa wiped the dust from her face as the wagon bumped along the trail. For three months, her family had been traveling west to Oregon in their covered wagon. Every morning before sunrise, Rosa helped Papa check the wooden wheels and grease the axles. She also gathered buffalo chips for the cooking fire, even though she didn't like touching them.
One hot afternoon, Rosa heard a loud CRACK! The wagon lurched to one side. Papa jumped down and inspected the damage. "The front wheel is broken," he said, shaking his head. "We can't go on like this." Mama looked worried. They were miles from any town, and the wagon train couldn't wait for them.
Rosa remembered something she'd seen that morning. "Papa, I saw willow trees growing by the river back there. Uncle John said willow wood is strong and bends without breaking. Could we use it?"
Papa's eyes lit up. "Rosa, that's brilliant thinking!" Together, they walked back to the river. Papa cut some willow branches while Rosa helped strip the bark. They worked all afternoon shaping the wood. By evening, they had fixed the wheel. It wasn't perfect, but it was strong.
As the wagon rolled forward again, Papa put his hand on Rosa's shoulder. "You saved us today with your sharp mind and good memory," he said. Rosa smiled, feeling proud. She was learning that the journey west took more than just strong wheels—it took smart thinking too.