Chapter 1 Where it All Began I was sitting on the ground, barly alive, feeling like every bone in my body was broken. Ashes was standing over me, looking at me like I was a strange creature that intruded into her little horsey world. Oh, I never introduced myself. I’m Carmen Rodricos, 14 years old, and I love horses. I am currently in another unsuccessful trust training session with Ashes. Ashes is my everything, even though we don’t trust each other when we're riding. It was mom’s idea to try trust training sessions to help with our riding. My instructor, Catheryn, comes running over to see if I was okay. “Carmen, are you okay? You took a rough tumble.” “I’m okay”, I reply, “I feel broken but I will be okay.” I climbed back up with a little help from Catheryn and grabbed hold of Ashes reins. She was still looking at me like I was insane. "I don’t know what happened there”, I said, “I think I should call it for the day.” “Good idea,” Catheryn said. As I was walking back to the barn, Ashes nudged my arm. “ I’m sorry girl”, I said, “I told you to stop, but I always forget how quick you react, and I wasn’t ready and I fell off. Will you accept my apology?”Ashes snorted and nudged my arm. “I guess that means yes” Me and Ashes walked into the barn. It seemed like there was every shape, size, and color of horse in there. There were bays, roans, a couple albinos, palomino, grey, and so many other strange and weird colors I can’t begin to describe. I tied Ashes in her stall and saw a small note. It read: Meet me outside Ashes’ stall at noon. I want to talk to you. - Anonymous “What is this?” I asked Ashes. She nosed through my pocket. “Do you want a treat?” She nosed my pocket again “I guess that’s a yes,” I said, “Here’s your treat” Ashes nickered appreciatively. “I have to go girl”, I said, " I’ll see you later”. I left the barn and walked back to my house for lunch. “Hi mom, hi dad”, I said, “My ride with Ashes was okay today, I only fell off once” “Well that’s good honey”, my mom said, “Do you think the trust lessons are helping?” “Oh yes mom, I feel a lot more confident, I just have to get the stopping down.” “Good”, my mom said, “Sit down and have lunch. You must be exhausted ""Okay”, I reply. I was thinking about the note all through lunch. I had no clue who left it, but it looked new. Chapter 2: COMING SOON!
Thanks so much to @AuroraRiverStables (@VisionsOfLoss) for the thumbnail!
