Take Care
Will was out feeding Jimber some carrots when Bailey snuck into the barn to do the same thing. He glanced up at his young cousin. "Have you been taking care of Jimber for me? I'd like you to continue for awhile until I can ride and lift the shovel."
"I didn't take care of Jimber… I just fed him carrots and sugar cubes…" Bailey commented.
"Oh come on… I bet you've been aching to ride him, haven't you? The older boy teased. "I won't mind since you don't yet have your horse yet and Jimber needs his exercise. I remember that you've been wanting your own ever since I got him."
"Not anymore…" Bailey muttered trying to not look his cousin in the face.
Will turned and glared at his younger cousin. "I thought you liked riding."
"I don't ride anymore… I've been… I've been hiding in my room," Bailey commented. "I haven't ridden since I fell of the horse."
"You have to get back on when you fall off or this kind of thing happens… you become afraid…" Will muttered.
"But… there were no adults around… and…"
"And what other excuse do you have…"
"That sound the cars crashed when he threw me… it was horrible!" Bailey blurted out. "I never want to hear a sound like that ever again.
Will suddenly bit his lip. "Bailey… promise me something. If I can get into a motor vehicle without cowering, you'll get back up on a horse."
"Well…" Bailey had seen how his cousin had reacted to riding in the car since the accident and didn't think it possible. "Fine… I promise."
Will watched as the boy disappeared. "If I can face my fear… so can you."