The Devil Walks Among Us; Book l - Completed 4/21/22

10x10

February 2019

On a chilly Friday morning, Mia sat atop Harlow, the barrel horse catching his breath as Mia had been practicing the pattern on him for the last hour after a warmup. She had been cleared to ride with her condition, granted she was only almost two months pregnant. Regardless on being cleared for normal activities, Michael didn't like the idea nonetheless. He continuously watched her like a hawk, unappreciative of how stubborn she was when it came to doing strenuous activities such as riding, carrying bags of feed, hooking up her trailer, and moving square bales of hay. He tried beating her to it every day, although he couldn't necessarily exercise her horses for her... Although he had been curious about it...

Watching her pat Harlow's neck, Michael stood next to Lilo, who was tied patiently just outside the arena. He grew fond of the short mare as she stood calm next to him, her rear leg propped as she was relaxed. His palm pressed against the base of the horse's neck as his other hand was curled in the pocket of his coat as he watched Mia lope Harlow around the arena.

He studied her, watching the stress melt from her face as he understood that riding was a passion of hers. He watched as she mouthed the words to a song she had been listening to through her wireless headphones, using her legs and light hand pressure to control the massive animal as if he were a bike, although he had a complete mind of his own.

After her riding session, Michael never once showed any sign of aggravation from watching her for nearly three hours. He enjoyed watching her be happy, even though he was in knots the entire time, afraid of something happening to her unborn child even though she wasn't even completely showing yet. "Thank you for coming with me, Michael," She smiled at him, removing her headphones and putting them back into their case before she stood on her toes to kiss him before placing her palms against his chest, her thumbs tracing the opening of the jacket. "I like this coat on you. I did good, didn't I?" She giggled, happy that she had found a jacket that she hoped he would like - a navy-blue Carhartt work jacket, well insulated for piercing wind, but light enough for year-round use.

He nodded slightly, appreciative of the things she had provided for him with no complaint. Loosening the cinch on Harlow's saddle, she began to lead him back towards the barn, Michael following as he lead Lilo with confidence, no longer secretly afraid, or rather intimidated, by the horses. What was funny to him was that just months ago, he remembered the same picture Mia had given him while she was studying him, wishing to one day be able to be around any animal again... And now here he was: leading one of them as well as spoiling them every chance he had.

With Mia's guidance, he helped her unsaddle them once they were back into the barn, Michael using his height to his advantage to put the saddle on the tiered saddle rack, knowing she wouldn't be able to reach it comfortably. After putting the horses into their stalls for the evening, Mia decided to let them relax for a couple of hours before feeding them their grain, ensuring they had enough water and hay in their hay nets before turning to Michael, "Do you want to go with me to the store? I know you've been itching to get out of the house...

He stared at her, watching her eyes beg him to say yes. He wasn't fond of the idea, especially going out in public during the day without the comfort and safety of his mask. He hated showing his face to Mia every day if he had to tell the truth, feeling as if she saw the monster and now father to her unborn child as a burden rather than a blessing. He didn't know it, but Mia knew that he was insecure about himself.

His intrusive thoughts had gotten carried away, not realizing that he had given no answer at all to her. "That's okay, you don't have to-" She began to frown, Michael knowing that she was feeling too expectant of him. Instead, he did the familiar gesture of putting his index finger against her lips to silence her babbling. She knew what he meant when he did that as she looked up at him, smiling. "You want to go? Really? I- You can drive if you want."