Tacoma Falls: Wild Horses

One step, one day

Grayson

After cleaning, we sat on the couch until Amber fell asleep. I slipped my hands under her, lifted her from the sofa, and held her for a moment. She was as light as a feather. I could feel her bones through her clothes.

I leaned into Amber's ear. "What did that rat do to you, Wild Filly?

Amber snuggled into me while still asleep. I carried her upstairs to the loft and laid her on the bed gently. After covering her, I removed my boots and slipped under the covers, fully clothed. I lay awake and thought about everything Amber had endured. It burned me to no end she suffered at the hands of that rat.

Amber moved until she snuggled into me. I let her while I lay in bed. She whimpered until her breathing evened out. The girls mustn't had a wink of sleep in months. Underneath the black eyes and bruises, you see the dark circles and sunken cheeks.

I lowered my arm and wrapped it around Amber. She snuggled into me more. The girl craved affection and security. After a hellish experience, she deserved it. My eyelids drooped as I fell asleep.

*******
Amber

I stood in an open area and looked around. Is this what heaven is like? The sunshine warmed my skin as the sky was a clear blue with fluffy clouds. I heard loud thumping and whirled to see wild horses run past me.

I watched the wild horses run free without saddles or restraints. They were magnificent creatures as they galloped. I stood in awe of them as my lips curved upward.

Something nudged my arm. I turned to a horse standing there without a saddle or reins. I reached out to touch it but drew my hand back. The horse lowered its head to me. I ran my hand gently across its snout as it watched me.

"It's a sign of respect," a voice said.

I glanced at Grayson as he walked toward me. "What?"

"Horses won't lower their heads unless they respect you. Most people consider them dumb. But they aren't." Grayson ran his hand along the horse's mane. "A wild horse will show respect when it receives it."

"But I didn't do anything to show the horse respect."

"Sure, you did. You didn't approach the horse. You let it approach you. You can't lock away a wild horse. They enjoy their freedom. When you do, they will bust the gate and bolt. Embrace their spirit."

My eyes fluttered open to find Grayson asleep beside me. I looked down and noticed we were still in our clothes.

Grayson stirred and wiped his eyes. "Morning."

"Morning."

He lowered his hands and looked at me. "How did you sleep?"

"I had a peculiar dream."

"What was your dream?"

"I stood in an open area as wild horses raced past me. One stopped and let me pet it."

"That's surprising since wild horses won't let you near them."

"You were in the dream."

Grayson raised his brow.

"You said it was a sign of respect. I didn't approach it. So it let me pet it."

"Most horses will lower their heads for people to pet them. But only when they trust the person."

I nodded in response.

"Are you hungry?"

My brows lifted in surprise.