Tales of Gloomsdale #5: The Gallop from Beyond

Chapter Five

I couldn't stop thinking about the ghost horse. Every time I visited Chestnut in the stables, I kept seeing Midnight instead, even though he looked nothing like the glistening apparition or even what the black horse was described as in his life. I tried asking Jack for more information, but he was always busy or didn't have any answers. I had learned enough from Mom, anyway.

"You know, Rachel, Chestnut is looking a little better," Jack remarked while sweeping hay into the stall. I couldn't help thinking about how Midnight was able to make sounds when he walked across the wet ground despite being a ghost, and whether he was able to eat as well. "You look so miserable without being able to ride. Why don't you try one of the other horses? I'll let you, with reduced charge."

I hesitated. I knew I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about Midnight, and I wasn't too keen on riding again anyway. "I don't know. I think it's best for me to take a break." I'd never admit it, but I was slightly afraid. I still remembered my terrifying fall, how cold and numb I felt after landing and how I couldn't move my body.

"Ah, I see." Jack nodded. "I can't blame you. I wouldn't be too eager either."

But I did admire the other horses in the stable. Some of them were a deep brown color like Chestnut, while others were a dirty grey or ruddy red. They were all different breeds, and some were even pure white. Like Midnight had been as a ghost, though he had been the opposite color as a living horse. I was reminded of him as I came to another black stallion. I wondered what breed Midnight had been. Probably a Friesian, which was an all black horse. They were fairly expensive as well. But he wasn't like that anymore. Now he was pale and silvery, almost like mist forming the shape of a horse.

I reached my hand out to pet the black stallion, watching as he tilted his head to the side in the same way the ghost horse had. As he closed his eyes. I couldn't help thinking about how much warmer his deep brown eyes were than Midnight's cold, icy ones, and the way they had stared straight at me.

I backed away, realizing I couldn't be in this stable for much longer. I kept being reminded of the ghost horse. I said goodbye to the horses as well as Jack before returning home.

"Back so soon?" Mom glanced up as she saw me.

"I guess you were right. I guess I should give riding a rest," I agreed. "But, Mom, can I ask you something? I wanted to go on the trail. The same one I rode at yesterday."

"You did?" Mom stared at me in alarm. "Why, Rach? Don't you remember last time?"

"Not on my horse," I hurriedly explained, though I was still uncertain about the idea. "Just for a walk, by myself. It was kind of fun, before it started raining. The trail was pretty nice. And it's bright and sunny out. The weather forecast says it won't rain today." I tried to convince myself, trying to forget the remaining fear and uncertainty I still felt. I told myself not to be a baby. I couldn't let one frightening experience scare me away from finding the ghost horse. It was a good thing I hadn't told Mom how I had fallen off, since I was sure she wouldn't let me go if she knew.

"Well, alright," Mom reluctantly agreed. I could tell she was relieved I wasn't going to be riding, but she was still worried. "But you should take your coat and umbrella, just in case. Maybe you should also bring bandages and a change of clothes, in case—"

"Mom, I'll be fine!" I groaned. But I was kind of glad she was insisting. I had been planning on taking my bag anyway, so I could keep the saddle inside. I wasn't sure why I planned on bringing it with me, but it felt like a good luck charm for finding a horse. I had kept it under my bed. Not the best or most sacred hiding place, but I had cleared out everything else that I stuffed under there to make room for it, which had to count for something. My mom had been surprised by how I had cleaned my room.