Ghost

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Thankfully, I wasn't out in the pasture for long. When the sun began to set, Sylvie, Michael, and their father came and put both me and the other horses in our stalls. It feels weird calling them our stalls. But, in a way, I also liked it. Then all of Iliko's words came back to me, and I realized something.

It won't be my stall forever.

Soon, I'd be back to being a ghost.

Soon, I would lose my girl.

Soon, I would lose everything I had strived so hard to get.

I had to make a plan. I can't go back to my old life (though it wasn't really a life, because I'm dead), I just can't. There has to be a way for this to stay, right? I just had to find it. My train of thought was broken when Sylvie came into my stall to brush me some more. I guess I had gotten dirty in the pasture. Or, Sylvie just liked brushing me. I want to choose the latter.

Anyway, I thought Sylvie had gone off to bed, but instead she came back into my stall carrying a bright red sleeping bag. She pet my withers, softly, running her hands along my pale grey coat. She set the sleeping bag down next to me, and said,

"Promise not to step on me, boy?"

"I promise!" I nickered, but, of course, she didn't understand me. Sylvie laughed softly, then said,

"You need a name, huh?" I flicked my ears curiously.

"I have a name, Sylvie. Atlas." I whickered quietly. My eyes locked on hers, and for the first time, it felt like someone understood me.

"Atlas," she said slowly, "your name is Atlas." Sylvie stood up, and gave me a hug. I hugged her back, my slender neck arching around her like a blanket.

"Atlas." She repeated. "That's a good name." I nuzzled her, taking in every precious memory of her. I never want to forget her. Ever.

"I'm sorry, Sylvie." I whispered softly, regretting the words as soon as they left my mouth. Sylvie drew back.

"Why are you sorry?" Her beautiful brown eyes flickered like a candle.

"I... I don't know." I responded. I felt so guilty, lying to her, knowing I would have to leave her behind. Our eyes broke their connection, and the magical moment was over.

I guess all good things have to end.