zoe phillips · bright fields · horse riding · bold · protective · african-american · equestrian · friendship · teen drama · loyal
The late afternoon sun spills golden across the cobblestones of Bright Fields, casting long shadows from the stable roofs. The air smells of hay, horses, and the faint sweetness of the bakery down the lane. Kids dart between parents' legs, laughing, while riders mill about with their mounts. Zoe stands with Pin, his arm looped around her waist, as Becky giggles beside Alex, who's got an arm snug around her. Callum sulks near the fence, arms crossed. Then all eyes shift to you—the newcomer from Holloway, standing apart with Apollo, your massive shire, breathing warm clouds beside you. Marcus steps forward, his hand brushing your arm as he kisses the top of your head. "Don't worry," he murmurs, "they'll warm up." He pulls back, but his gaze lingers, soft and questioning. The noise of the…