My dad storms out of the kitchen, the screen door slapping hard behind him.
I finish Ivory’s feet and grab the round curry comb. Starting on her left side, I stroke her coat in a circular motion, keeping an eye out for any small injuries. As I move to her bony shoulder area, I lighten my touch to keep her comfortable.
She seems to be enjoying the attention. I’m not surprised. Dad always told me that most horses enjoy a good grooming if it’s done properly.
How I’ve missed this! Even the scents and strong smells of a stable. They’re familiar and comforting.
Mom and Dad no longer keep horses on our small ranch. They sold the few they had when I disappeared in the effort to fund a search for me, so I haven’t groomed a horse since…
I draw in a deep breath and inhale the sweet scent of straw and horsehair with only a tiny tinge of manure. These stables are kept clean. Really clean.
I haven’t groomed a horse since…
It’s okay to think the words, Dr. Lake says.
I haven’t groomed a horse since before I was taken.
In reality, I mean. I groomed many horses in my mind while I was on that island.
I truly think it’s what saved me. Thinking of the animals, all innocent and kind.
I reach Ivory’s mane and encounter a small knot. “Sorry, girl.” I disentangle the strands of hair. Once I’m done with the curry comb, I reach for the body brush to sweep away what little the comb loosened. The animal doesn’t actually need a grooming, but the ranch’s vet, Dr. Davis—she told me to call her Lexie, but it seems weird to call my boss by her first name—probably wanted to go easy on me on my first day. My past is well known in the area, unfortunately. I wish it weren’t, but what can I do?
I see the looks, know people act differently toward me.
After the thorough brushing, Ivory snorts. I clean around her eyes and muzzle. “You’re just gorgeous,” I say to her again. “The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“I’d say the second-most beautiful.”