Chasing Dreams

Chapter Four-Missing

Early the next morning I awoke to the crash of thunder. Rubbing my eyes I looked out the window to find a rain clogged world and lightning flashed across the sky illuminating my bedroom. At least I had left Thunder inside last night so he wouldn't be out in this terrible weather. Since I was already awake I decided to head to the barn and check on my beloved horse.

After eating a quick breakfast of frosted flakes and leave my mom a note to let her know where I've gone, I make a b-line for her old farm truck. Normally I might've brought my trusty Golden Retriever, but the idea of washing mud out of her glossy coat is less than appealing.

When I pull into a parking space beside the stable's truck I spot Thunder's head hanging over his stall door. With a whistle I exit the truck and make my way towards the barn. After stroking his face affectionately I trot over to the feed room and get his grain ready, adding his special supplements to the mixture. I scribble a note on the white board on his stall door to let Jenny know he's been fed and pour his food into the feeder. An eerie silence hangs over the barn and I can't help but feel as though something isn't right.

Seeing Thunder's lack of interest in me, I decide to see how Liberty settled in. Pulling my hood up I dash to the other barn where new horses are kept. It's a two stall shed with two entrances to each stall, one in the front, one in the back, the latter opening into a good sized paddock with high wooden fencing. I scan the area for the chestnut filly but can't see her. Taking a closer look after inspecting a currently empty stall I notice a tree down that crushed part of the fence, leaving a wide gap for a potential escape route.

Terror envelopes me when I spot a trail of hoof prints leading away from the barn. Pulling out my cell phone I speed dial Jenny. I get an answering machine in response. Leaving a quick message about going to look for Liberty, I grab the lead rope that was hanging in front of the stall and squeeze through the fence.

When I get to the edge of the field I pause to find her barely visible tracks. I break into a jog as I follow her trail through the forest. Thankfully the ground was fairly moist and imprinted easily. I notice what looks like a boot print in the moss nearby and my suspicions sky rocket. Something foul is at work.

Thunder sounds around me reminding me of the urgency surrounding this situation. Normally my horse's namesake comforts me, but it is only a grim reminder of my hurry. In an effort to focus I begin to hum One Republic music. It soothes my terror and allows me to settle into a sure footed jog.

Soon I find myself near the road and a whinny fills the air around me. The rain comes down heavily and I find it hard to listen closely. Everything about me is soaked, but my determination doesn't falter. Lightning lights up the semi-dark world and a horse's dark silhouette rears in front of me.

"Easy girl, easy" I call out, as calmly as I can manage. Her feet dance against the ground, but she doesn't bolt. Encouraged, I take a few steps toward her, all the while saying soothing words to calm the frightened creature ahead of me.

A tree branch snaps in the wind sending Liberty forward into me. I jump back just in time, only to slip and land with a splash in the mud. Groaning I lift my aching body up and jog off after the filly. My imagination runs wild with horrible ideas of cars hitting her, trees falling on her, and images of her sliding through the mud and injuring herself. I skid to a stop when I see her just ahead of me.

She turns to look at me letting out a snort of distrust. Her fine nostrils flare as she breathes and I note the blood on her trembling legs. Her head raises higher as I take a step towards her and her eyes roll wildly. "Hey baby, I'm just here to help you, easy there, darling" I coo softly as I inch closer, my breathing even and regular, despite my pounding heart.

Gently I reach out my hand and to my horror she spins on her back legs and darts out of reach and view. I hear a unnatural scream of pain and know it to be Liberty. My eyes widen when I see her lying in the mud, blood surrounding her. Her eyes are a mix of pain and terror. I rush to her side in an attempt to help her, but all she does is thrash harder.

Tears of frustration and sadness cloud my eyes as I see the barbed wire wound around her rain soaked hide. Sinking to my knees,I stroke her face and lay a hand on her neck ,whispering a plea of desperation as I succumb to a dark fog that overtakes my awareness.