Ranger's Apprentice - Race For Halt

Ch. 24

Maddie shivered and hugged to Bumper's neck.
Bumper snorted.
You're cold?
"Not on the outside..." Maddie replied.
Inside?
"Yes."
What's wrong?
"It's my decision. I haven't gotten to talk to Will about it yet. We've been too busy."
Will can help you. After all his memories and everything he's learned over the years, he'll know what to do.
"I know."
They road in silence until a mail carrier appeared in the distance.
"He looks rushed." Maddie said to no one in particular.
"Ranger Maddie!" He yelled. Maddie raised her hand.
"Here!"
The mail carrier slowed his horse and laid a letter in Maddie's palm.
"I'm so sorry." He said before storming away.
Maddie's heart raced. Sorry? What was wrong? Had Halt relapsed? Was Will getting worse? Had he fallen into a deep coma?
Bumper nickered.
Open it!
Maddie ripped the letter open and her eyes scanned the paper. When she was done, it fell from her hands and onto the ground. She slumped in her saddle and stared off in space. Bumper neighed and whinned, but it did no good. Maddie was in shock.
Bumper trotted forward and stopped abruptly to catch Maddie's attention. She slammed forward and snapped out of it.
"Bumper," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "Go home. Get me to Will."
Bumper snorted and set off in a fast pace only a loyal Ranger's horse could manage.
As they rode, Maddie leaned forward and hugged Bumper's neck, sobbing.

Hi, yes, so...I'm dying on the inside after writing this. 😭😭