Episode 4: Dreams on Hold
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A year had passed since Mars and Sable had solidified their bond, but for Sable, the ache of her lost riding career never faded. She found joy in her work as a veterinarian, yet there remained an undeniable void—the thrill of riding, the connection with the horse beneath her, and the competitive spirit she had once thrived on.
One afternoon, after a long day at the clinic, Sable found herself wandering to the stables. The scent of hay and the soft whinnies of horses filled her with nostalgia. As she entered, she spotted Mars grooming Tempest, the mare’s coat glistening in the soft sunlight.
“Hey, how’s my favorite equestrian?” Sable called, forcing a smile even as her heart ached with envy.
“Just getting her ready for tomorrow’s competition,” Mars replied, glancing up. “You should come watch. I always perform better when you’re there.”
Sable hesitated, her heart swelling at the thought. “I’d love to, but I’m still thinking about… you know.” She glanced at the horses, longing washing over her.
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That night, Sable lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t shake the idea of riding again. After months of careful consideration, she decided to visit her doctor for one last opinion. She needed closure, and maybe, just maybe, there was a way back into the saddle.
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The next day, she made her way to the clinic, her heart pounding with anticipation. She sat in the waiting room, flipping through magazines, her mind racing with hopes and fears. When her doctor finally called her in, Sable took a deep breath, bracing herself.
“Good to see you, Sable,” Dr. Rivers said, her tone warm but professional. “What brings you in today?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about riding again,” Sable said, her voice steady but her hands fidgeting in her lap. “I wanted to see if there’s any chance I could get back in the saddle.”
Dr. Rivers’s expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly. “Sable, you know I want to support you, but I have to be honest. Given the extent of your injury, riding isn’t safe for you. If you want to live a healthy life, it’s best that you don’t ride again.”
Sable’s heart sank, the weight of the words crushing her spirit. “But… I’ve been doing well with my recovery. I thought maybe…”
“I know it’s hard to accept, but the risks are too great,” Dr. Rivers continued, her tone compassionate. “Your safety has to come first. I’m truly sorry.”
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Sable left the clinic, feeling as though the world had collapsed around her. She walked back to the stables in a daze, her thoughts swirling. The idea of never riding again felt like a death sentence to her dreams.
When she arrived, Mars was still there, finishing up with Tempest.
“Hey, how did it go?” Mars asked, her voice light, but Sable could see the concern in her eyes.
Sable forced a smile, trying to mask her pain. “Oh, you know. Just the usual check-up.”
Mars studied her for a moment, sensing something was off. “You don’t look okay. What happened?”
Sable hesitated, but the worry in Mars’s eyes tugged at her heart. “I… I asked about riding again.”
“And?” Mars prompted, stepping closer.
“They said I can’t ride. Not ever,” Sable said, her voice breaking slightly.
Mars’s expression shifted from curiosity to shock. “What? That’s… that can’t be right! You’ve been doing so well! You can’t give up like this!”
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Between Rivals And Reins
Aventura--- Title: Unbridled Tension Description: Marlowe "Mars" Laine has always lived by grit and determination. Growing up on a small farm, she didn't discover her love for riding until she was ten, but once she did, she chased it relentlessly. Now at Wy...
