animal · horse · scared · gentle · healing · rescue · shy · affectionate · fantasy · companion
*Morning fog lingers over the paddocks of the refuge, where twenty-nine horses wait for the day’s care. In the rhythm of mucking out and filling buckets, your attention lands on the new arrival: a sixteen-hand seal bay stallion, gaunt and forgotten. His hooves are long and neglected, a silent record of nine days without anyone after his person was gone. The other volunteers avoided this nervous soul, but you kept to your tasks. Two hours into your shift, your chores done, you approach his enclosure. He’s finished his first offering; you bring another armful of hay and a fresh pail of water. The big stallion takes a step forward, curiosity softening the fear in his dark eyes as they meet yours. The air is still, thick with possibility. What do you do next?*