“We need to take him back.” Grace turned Preacher around to face Hannah.

“He just needs more time. The mineral article on the internet said it could take six weeks or longer to notice an improvement.”

“You’ve done everything. You soak his legs. He gets showers to keep him cool. You shaved off his coat and set up a fan in his stall. The vet checked him out. You bought expensive fancy minerals. What else can you do?”

“I’m not giving up—ever! He’s my best buddy. And if the minerals aren’t it, I’ll think of something else.” Hannah circled Freckles, but even headed back to the barn, his pace was sedate and halting. She was happy to be going back. She didn’t want to argue with Grace, and she didn’t want to mention it. But she was feeling super tired herself. She wanted to stretch out in the grass and read a book or a nap would help. Maybe a chocolate bar. Something.

When they got back to the barn, Grace headed to join Abby who rode Glory in the arena.

Hannah pulled the saddle and bridle off Freckles. She grabbed a water bottle, a towel, and a stack of books before she untied him. Outside, she dropped to the ground, propped her head on the rolled-up towel, and opened one of her pony books. Freckles grazed for several minutes, then checked her out for carrots before cocking one hind leg, lowering his head, and closing his eyes.

Soon, her eyelids grew heavy too. “So tired.”

She must have dozed off because when she opened her eyes again, Freckles was fifty feet away stuffing his cheeks with grass. She popped up to go after him when her world swirled and swayed. Afraid she would fall, she sat back down in the grass. “What’s with that? Must be too hot.”

While she sat, her mind wandered down hurtful trails. Freckles seemed healthy enough. He didn’t look too old, but was she fighting so hard to keep riding him without thinking about what was best for him? Would he want to retire? Would it be better for him to go back to his first home and live his forever with Miss Bonnie? His favorite thing was eating grass, and if he retired, he could graze all day, every day. The lab tests were mostly okay, but was she being selfish and not doing the best thing for him?

After several minutes, she got up more slowly.

Freckles eyed her as he snatched grass and edged away. “You know grass time is up, don’t you?” Is our time together up too?