Not long after he drifted into sleep, he awoke, wide-eyed, certain he was late for class. He checked his watch, just after 5, the sun won't rise for another hour and a half.

"Whew." Ty exhaled as he settled back in, hoping sleep would return.

Next to him, Amy slept. In her slumber, she had shifted, turned toward him. She laid on her left side, her bend knees touching his thigh ever so slightly, her small hand rested on his stomach, the natural rhythm of her warm breath tickled his neck, her eyes closed but her eyelashes fluttered just barely. Sprawled between them was Ruth, laying on her back, her feet, perfectly shaped pink paw pads outstretched. Amy sighed. He smiled, watching her sleep, wanting to pull her closer, to hold her, to kiss her lips, pink with corners upturned.

Then an uneasiness crept in, took hold as did his body's need to urinate. Quietly he slipped out of bed, carefully closing the door behind him as to not wake her. After relieving himself, he fumbled his way through the dark from the bathroom into the living room, grabbing an old quilt off the back of the couch and a headlamp off the hook by the front door. Light secured to his forehead, he quietly headed outside. The sunlight had not yet broken the horizon, it was still some time away. Settling into a rocker, wrapped in the quilt, he opened her journal.

He closed his eyes to take in the night sounds around him. A rush of crickets, katydids and tree peepers chimed a constant, wavering, high pitched chorus of legs, wings and throats, loud at first, assaulting his ear then mellowing into the background. A solitary mourning dove sang a soft coo-oo, followed by two more coos, then silence as if waiting for a response that didn't come, before cooing again. Harley snorted a fluttering sound from his place next to Spartan. Opening his eyes, adjusting to the dark, he looked across the yard as far as beam from the headlamp would allow. The night seemed still, motionless, even the air did not move, but winged things, tiny and bigger, darted in and out of the light, chasing and fleeing.

"Stop procrastinating." He mutter to himself as he turned his attention back to her journal.

Amy's Journal Day 115

Another early morning. After morning rituals, as a team we ventured outside to do drills, flat work, fences and Liberty. The horses were distracted, a bit uncooperative. By the noon dark clouds had gathered, weather forecast was calling for severe thunderstorms. Emir was our main concern as he is easily spooked. Dr. Antar and I debated which was safer for him, outside where he could run if he was frightened or inside where he would be sheltered. Either choice represented risks for injury.

In the end, we opted to keep all the horses in their stalls. To mute the sounds of pounding rain and thunder, I had music blaring over the speaker system. And to mask the bolts of lightening, I turned on every single light and hung horse blankets over the windows. Adela ordered kabsa, sambusak and all sorts of other foods from SAFrance.

By the time the thunderstorm hit at three, the stables had a party-like atmosphere. The grooms, riders, Dr. Antar, chateau staff, security, Adela, Calla, even Syed gathered to enjoy each other's company and relax. The horses were calm, oblivious to the storm raging outside. By 5:15, the severe storm had passed and the rain had lightened into a steady drizzle. By 7:00, Adela and I were home, practiced a bit of yoga then had a big salad for dinner.

At 9:00, Adela told me that Ahmed had called saying that Emir was upset, antsy.

"Of course Ahmed would call. What a piece of work." Ty said aloud.

When I arrived, Emir appeared to be fine, relaxed in his stall, instead it was Ahmed who was anxious, pacing. He admitted he was worried about Austria, about the competition and how they would perform. He didn't feel that they were ready.

So I told him about T-Touch, how it helps with stress and showed him to do it. Then I asked him to do T-Touch on Emir while telling him about Austria, about the competition, about how he envisioned they would perform, round by round. It really seemed calm his anxieties.

Though it was after eleven when I got back to the apartment, I tried to call Ty but got no answer, not even his voicemail. Weird. I miss him so much.

Ty checked his phone log, nothing. "Ahmed was still messing with our phones." He said under his breath.

Amy's Journal Day 116

Clipped to the page was a postcard from the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. Pictured on the front was a castle-like building set on a mountain top. The postcard was not addressed or inscribed.

By this morning, the rain had cleared away to an incredible sunrise of yellows, pinks and blues. It reminded me of home, Heartland. I was really homesick, I wanted to call home. But it was after 11pm, everyone would be asleep so I didn't call.

When I arrived at just after 5am, surprisingly, Ahmed was already there grooming Emir. Six horses were scheduled for Equiline transport to Austria at 10.

Ahmed - Emir

Hassan - Noble Cause

Omar - Winter's Snow

Jamal - Solstice

Malik - Zeus, Jameela

Same line-up as the London competition. After morning feed and very light flat work, I had the grooms turn out all the horses including Rein, Apollo and Redwood into the small field to get some unstructured exercise, enjoy the cool, crisp, fresh air. Basically, to let the horses be horses.

Ahmed, Calla and I sat on the field fence and just watching the horses frolic, chase each other around, roll the wet grass. Ahmed talked about Austria, clearly he was feeling good about his chances at the upcoming competition. What a change from the night prior.

As we watched, I noticed that Jameela stood by the fence, away from the other horses, away from us, facing away, her hind right hoof ever so slightly raised. As I approached her, she did not retreat. Upon examination, there was a slight heat, minimal swelling and some sensitivity just above her heel. I assumed deep digital flexor tendon damage but had Dr. Antar examine her. He confirmed my suspicions but felt that the damage was mild. Luckily.

Treatment was fairly standard, cool down, rest, hand walking only. We discussed new shoes with rocketed toes, but opted to forego those for now.

Regardless, traveling to Austria was out, likely the World Games too. Redwood would take her place. Calla, the grooms and I gathered the horses from the field and hand walked them into the stables.

The horses, including Redwood, were finally loaded for transport by Equiline but about two hours behind schedule. So I didn't even have time to freshen up before we departed by private jet at 1pm. I was stinky. Even Adela said so.

Ty laughed out loud.

She suggested that I shower onboard. So I did.

The shower was huge, white marble veined with gray, the water hot and pressure good. It was really nice until the jet hit some rough weather. Before I could grab the shower bar, the turbulence threw me into the shower wall, slammed my shoulder. It was scary for a few moments. I was never so glad to be out of a hot shower.

"Oh Amy. You need to be more careful."

After I dressed and returned to me seat, laughingly, I told Adela what happened. I thought it was kinda comical. Of course, she told Ahmed who naturally made a big deal out of it. I tried to tell them it was nothing but they wouldn't listen. Dr. Antar examined my shoulder, which had swelled a bit, had slight bruising and hurt some when I moved it. He said it was a minor injury, then applied an ice compress (not one of frozen peas),

Ty laughed.

gave me ibuprofen, told me to rest. He was very kind, and his treatment helped.

When we landed in Salzburg, much to my dismay, a private car whisked Ahmed, Adela and me straight to the hospital at top speed. There, ten doctors, or so it seemed, examined my shoulder, arm, hand, head, you name it, they examined it. They performed an MRI, and in the end, they declared I had a bruised shoulder. They told me the same thing that Dr. Antar did, ice, ibuprofen and rest. But, they did give me a white sling to wear. Oh boy.

"Amy. Why didn't you tell me?" Ty chastised her in her absence.

After two hours at the hospital, we finally got to Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. The 1350 castle converted to a hotel stood lit up, majestically atop of Monchsberg Mountain, overlooking the city of Salzburg. The hotel, the view were breathtaking.

Inside, the hotel was furnished with rich antiques, crystal chandeliers, remarkable works of art. Our room did not disappoint either. As usual, Adela and I shared the spacious suite, filled with antique and modern furniture. The bathroom was massive with a huge marble tub. Adela drew a bubble bath for me. While I soaked in the tub, trying to ease my shoulder, she unpacked. Naturally she got me another new dress, this one in a light green linen with pantries and bra to match. I asked her to send it back and to stop buying me things, undies, clothes. She promised that she would. We'll see.

We stayed in, ordered room service. I had a hamburger and orange juice.

He shook his head. "Orange juice. Of course."

Ahmed call three times to check on me. Sweet but unnecessary.

"Sweet, my ass." Ty groused.

Amy's Journal Day 117

Attached to the page was her paystub, plus a bonus marked "London Win".

"Just crazy. I can't get used to this." He muttered.

Woke at 4, my shoulder was bothering me. I made myself a makeshift ice pack and went out on our balcony. The view was lovely. The hotel's manicured grounds, complete with a fountain, swimming pool, and a huge statue of man shooting a bow and arrow were lit up. Beyond that was Salzburg and the mountains. Though the sky was clear, the stars weren't visible. I texted Ty, he texted me right back.

He checked, sure enough, their text messages were in his phone.

"Hey Ty. In Salzburg, Austria. Pretty here. Miss you."

"Miss you too. Studying tonight. Big test tomorrow."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

He sighed. "I am such an idiot. I should have been better. Why didn't I just call her and talk?"

I gave up on sleeping, got dressed and went to stables adjacent to Salzburgarena, the modern indoor domed arena where the competition would take place. Our horses were calm, relaxed, mostly resting, thankfully. So I decided to explore the jumping arena and walk the course. Given the small course, the turns were sharper, gates closer. We need to modify our approach just slightly.

At 6, we had a team meeting about the course. Each rider worked with their groom to feed, groom, and ready their horse for competition. I took Redwood. We paraded our horses, by hand, early. Then took our practice on the course, first hand walked, then rode. Redwood was truly incredible. He seemed to really enjoy the close course, quick jumps. Snow was less than impressive, clipped a couple of bars. I suggested to Omar to switch horses, but he declined. At first.

I suggested that he do one round on him, which he did. Redwood again did not disappoint so he switched.

After settling Snow back into her stall, I spent some time observing Ahmed and Emir interacting. Their relationship has grown immensely, each talking and responding positively to the other. I even complimented Ahmed, he just grinned.

Ahmed and Emir killed the first round with a solid second place time and no faults. Omar and Redwood fourth, Hassan and Noble placed twenty-ninth, and Jamal and Solstice thirty-seventh. Overall the team was in fifth. The short course really threw Noble and Solstice off. Italy came in first and Germany third in the individual event. Italy's team was in first, Germany's team second and France's team third in the team event.

At the press conference, Ahmed was beaming, smiling, ear to ear. He was gracious, humble, gave credit to everyone but himself, his father, Emir, his groom, and even me. :) He called me his Good Luck Charm.

After the press conference, I ran into Patrick Little, Ireland's head trainer. He asked about Snow. Drift had been pulled from the competition as well for lackluster performance since London. He didn't even bring her to Salzburg. We agreed that the two sisters missed each other.

As a team, we dined in the hotel's Glasshouse restaurant. Ahmed was the perfect host and team captain. He was humble about his own win but very complimentary of everyone else.

I was exhausted so I was in bed by 8.

Amy's Journal Day 118

Tacked to the page was a newspaper article with a Ahmed and Emir's picture.

"Jerk." Ty hissed.

Patrick Little visited Snow's stall this morning. He brought Snow Drift's blanket which seemed to perk her up a lot. I, in turn, gave him Snow's blanket. We were having a nice conversation when Ahmed suddenly appeared, interrupted us. Honestly, he was a little rude. He said he was concerned about Emir and needed me to check on him. Immediately.

"He's jealous Amy. He wants you for himself."

Emir seemed perfectly fine to me. Ahmed was seemed agitated, a bit overwrought. I chalked it up to the competition and all the pressure. I suggested that he do T Touch then take Emir for a walk. He agreed but insisted that I stay with them, which I did.

Wow! Ahmed aced the second round, beating everyone with the top run. Italy finished second, Germany third. Omar and Redwood fourth again, Hassan and Noble placed twenty-third, and Jamal and Solstice twenty-seventh. Overall the team was still in fifth. Noble and Solstice performed better but still the short course confounded them.

The press conference was crazy. Ahmed insisted that I sit next to him. Again he called me his Good Luck Charm. I answered several horse training questions, a few on T Touch.

Then the London Paper reporter asked when Ahmed and I were getting married. I explained that I was engaged to Ty, that we would get married when I returned to Hudson. So frustrating.

By day's end, I was tired and my shoulder hurt, so we stayed in and had room service. Adela had a masseuse come to our room and give us massages..boy, did that feel good.

Amy's Journal Day 119

Attached were several newspaper articles, all with Ahmed and Emir's picture. None had Amy's picture. Also attached were two business cards, one from Camille Augustin, the French team trainer and Karl Shbili, the German team trainer.

I woke feeling so much better. My shoulder no longer hurt. :)

Another whirlwind day starting with another press conference. This time, the entire team sat at the table with Ahmed. I opted to watch from the sidelines.

I bumped into Alessandro Picolini, the Italian head trainer..literally. We congratulated each other on our teams wins. Then Ryan Dean, the Canadian head trainer joined us. We talked about the short course, and adjustments we've had to make. We talked about Solstice a bit, her slow adaption to the short course. Alessandro suggested a bit change which I implemented.

Ahmed, again placed first, the Italians second and Germans third in the third and final round. Omar and Redwood sixth, Jamal and Solstice ninth and Hassan and Noble placed twenty-first. The team placed third overall.

The medal ceremony was incredible. As the Saudi Arabian national anthem played, Ahmed stood tall on the top podium, grinning, tears streaming down his face as he sang the anthem. It was so moving. I joined the team on the podium for the team medal ceremony. What a wonderful feeling. I was so proud.

"You should be proud Amy. You worked so hard." Ty said.

The press conference lasted over an hour, most of the questions aimed at Ahmed. Again, he was humble, gracious, kind. He talked about each team rider, even Malik, and their contribution to their success. He again called me his Good Luck Charm then deferred training questions to me. One reporter asked about Solstice, and his adjustment to the course. I credited Alessandro for the bit change. I also talked about the team head trainers, how each have been so kind and encouraging.

After the press conference, Camille Augustin, the French head trainer introduced herself. As we were chatting in French... okay, my French wasn't so great... Karl Shbili, the German trainer joined us. We resorted to speaking English. We decided that we would have breakfast together in the morning at the Glasshouse. I phoned Alessandro, Ryan, and Patrick then made reservations.

Tonight, we celebrated at Brunnauer im Magazin, an incredible restaurant housed in a World War II bunker, carved into the side of the Mönchsberg mountain. The restaurant itself was dark, curved walls of smooth concrete and stone. The food was authentic Austrian. Ahmed had rented the entire restaurant for us, the owner and chef Brunnauer joined us. We celebrated until almost 1am. What a fun night.

Amy's Journal Day 120

Attached to the page was a newspaper article, with two pictures, one with Ahmed on the podium and one with the team. Amy was grinning in the middle of the team.

Ty smiled back at her picture.

There was also a picture of a text...Good Morning. Changing restaurants to Glüxfall at 8. See you then. Amy.

I woke up early, excited for the breakfast with my fellow trainers. I practiced yoga, something I hadn't done since I hurt my shoulder. It felt so good to stretch again.

When I entered the reserved private room, I was surprised to see Ahmed and Adela there having coffee at the table. I just joined them, ordered orange juice and coffee and waited for the others. After 30 minutes, none of the other trainers showed up. Ahmed then said something curious. He said that maybe the other trainers got mixed up with the time or restaurant. I never told him that I was meeting them for breakfast.

At the stables, I ran into Patrick who asked me what happened, why I didn't show for breakfast. He told me that he got a text from me changing the restaurant to Glüxfall at 2:05am. He even showed me the text. I asked him to send me a picture of the text. I don't know what happened. I immediately texted everyone my apologies for the mix-up.

"Ahmed is a piece of work." Ty grumbled.

Then we talked a bit about Snow and Drift until we had to get our horses loaded.

Our flight home was quiet, most everyone snoozed including me. At the chateau, we got the horses back to their stalls, each fine after their flight. When I got home, I went straight to bed.

Amy's Journal Day 121

The morning started early, with a light rain. The stables were very quiet as the riders had the day off. Calla and I handled the very light training inside, some hand walking and ground work.

I checked on Jameela, she was healing nicely but not ready for much exercise. I spent most of the morning and early afternoon focused on Apollo and Lorenzo. I had buyers coming to inspect the two so I wanted both to be in tiptop shape.

At four, I met Henri Horne and his assistant, Jeane, at the security gate. He was purchasing experienced jumpers for his equestrian school. I ran the two horses through a few jumps and through a few Liberty moves. They were impressed and offered 30k for both which I accepted. I also introduced them to other horses. They especially wanted to meet Winter's Snow, after all the press she had received. He offered 75k for her. I, of course, declined.

After they trailered the two horses away, I tacked up Rein and went for a ride. The rain had cleared, the sky produced a brilliant rainbow stretching across the meadow disappearing behind the mountain range. I took a picture and texted it to Ty.

He checked. The picture was there with the text. "Beautiful rainbow. Wish I was with you. Missing you." He hadn't responded.

Soon after, Ahmed rode up behind me on Jameela. Boy, was I mad and told him so. He knew she was injured but rode her any way. He apologized. I didn't want to inflict any more damage to her injury, so we hand walked Rein and her back to the stable which took almost two hours.

Ahmed was in a talkative mood. He talked endlessly about the Austria competition and the upcoming World Games. In little more than 1 week.

After yoga and dinner with Adela, I retired to bed early.

Amy's Journal Day 122

Early to the stables. For the next week, basic training. Groom, hand walk, flat work. Rest. Jumping. Then Liberty. Cold bath. Groom. Night check.

Jameela's injury is healing nicely. I was glad that yesterday's ride did not set her back. Another few days of hydrotherapy and she'll be ready for gentle exercise.

I am worried about Winter's Snow. She seems so sad, lethargic, even Drift's blanket doesn't help. And, she is barely eating. I won't have her compete in next week's competition. Thankfully, Omar is perfectly fine to jump with Redwood.

Turned out in the field for exercise, she just stood there looking into the distance. So I rode her bareback for a bit just to make sure she got some exercise. She didn't seem to mind it but didn't seem to be overjoyed with it either.

I texted Patrick Little to check on Drift and to compare notes. Same story, sad, depressed, listless. He promised to bring her to Falsaise this weekend.

Amy's Journal Day 123

At the team meeting this morning, Ahmed announced that he had a meeting in Verona, Italy this weekend and invited the entire team to go for some rest and relaxation before the games. He was leaving tonight and would be back Sunday evening.

I declined given Jameela and Snow's conditions. Adela was clearly not happy when she realized that she would not get to go.

We had a solid, productive training day, the riders and horses were in a good mood, cooperative. By 6, everyone was gone and stable was quiet. I told Adela that she too had the weekend off. She got so excited, hugged me and quickly left.

Snow and I rode out into the far field in a relaxed trot. The deep green of the lush grass was speckled with tiny yellow and white flowers. The air was cool, crisp, we paused at the top of the rise, to catch our breath and to inhale the sights, sounds and smells of the valley below. On a whim, I untacked her to do some Liberty, which turned out to be more like a game of chase. Snow seemed to regain some of her vim and vigor. As the sun was setting in pinks, yellows and oranges, we rode back to the stables, in no hurry.

Syed and I went to SAFrance for dinner. Even though I am with him every day, we don't seem have much time to talk. He talked mostly of Bea, always with a sweet expression on his face. His youngest daughter was getting married in two months and he had hoped that Ahmed would allow him to go home for an extended stay after the games.

He asked me about Ty, if we were talking every day. For some unknown reason, I said Yes, but I think he knew I was not being truthful. Maybe I just didn't want to admit that we had lost touch.

Ty groaned.

When I got to my apartment, I called Ty. He didn't pick up.

He checked his phone, nothing, then groaned again.

Amy's Journal Day 124

I slept in! It was glorious. I had arranged with the grooms to perform the morning chores in my absence. I walked into Falsaise and found a little cafe with tables outside to have breakfast. The waitress was young, about my age, dark hair and eyes. I ordered in French. When she brought my order, she asked me in English if I was American. I told her that I was Canadian. Marie introduced herself, she took a seat and we started to talk, first about Canada, then about Falsaise, France, our families, our interests, school. We talked over two hours. She was so fun, refreshing, inquisitive, bright. She invited me to have dinner with her family that night. We even exchanged cell phone numbers.

After exercising each horse, I rode Snow in the field again. She seemed to be doing better.

Marie lives with her family, her Grandfather Pierre, Grandmother Catrina, her mother Lisabett, her brother Franz and her sister-in-law Leigh in an old three story stucco farmhouse just outside the Falsaise wall and not far from my apartment. Dinner with the Morrestie family was fun, a lot of laughing, some teasing, good conversation, lots of wine! We ate outside in the small garden. What a wonderful evening.

Amy's Journal Day 125

Clipped to the page was a picture of Snow and Drift, Patrick grinning and Amy grinning as well but with tears in her eyes.

"You sold her back to the Irish team. Good going." Ty guessed.

I was still asleep when Patrick texted. Yesterday, the team had landed in Normandy and had settled into an equestrian farm about 30 minutes north our chateau. He offered to bring Drift to our locale by trailer.

At 2, I met Patrick and Drift at our security building. When Snow saw Drift, they both got so excited, whinnying, snorting, prancing. We decided to turn them out into the field where they frolicked, ran, chased and rolled around. Patrick and I laughed at the miraculous transformation. They were so happy.

He told me that his best offer was 8k, what I had originally paid for her. Without hesitation, I accepted, then we shook on the deal, then hugged. I was so happy because Snow would be with her twin sister.

"Amy. You are not a business woman. But you are definitely my horsey girl!" Ty laughed.

After a long goodbye to Snow and some tears, we took a couple of selfies with the twins. Patrick had just pulled through the gate with both horses in tow when Ahmed and the riders returned. I told him that I had sold Snow. He said that it was my horse then walked away.

Then I went home.

Amy's Journal Day 126

Back to work.

"Well good morning Ty."

Ty turned, greeted her. Mrs. Bell was standing at the door as Sugarfoot crossed the porch, descended the steps and disappeared down the path.

"Finished yet?"

"Six entries left. I will finish today." He glanced at his watch, it was just 6:30. He took the headlamp off his forehead.

"Good. Hot tea?"

"As long as it has lots of caffeine. I didn't get much sleep." He yawned and stretched his arms overhead.

"Good morning." She said, her pup held to her chest as Ruth squirmed and shrieked.

"Hey Amy." He said.

"She's hungry." She hair was tangled, her eyes still sleepy.

"What's news?" He smiled at her. "Let me get her a bottle."

"Really?"

"Yes. Sit, it's a nice morning." He walked into the house. She glanced at her journal, upside down on the table. She turned it over to see his progress. "The worst is yet to come." She muttered as she put it back down.

"Brought you some green tea. Milk and honey?" Mrs. Bell asked as she set down the tray with the old china teapot, three mismatched cups, three spoons, a small pitcher of cream, honey pot and several blueberry scones.

"Straight tea, please?" Then she asked. "Your blueberry scones?! Oh yummy."

"Yes, of course." Mrs. Bell poured three cups and handed Amy one. "He's been up most of the night reading." She leaned her head toward the house.

She nodded. "Yeah. He looks tired."

"Aw. He did what he wanted to do. And. He wanted to learn about your trip to Europe."

"Well. He's about to hit the bad part."

"What part is that?"

"That stupid kiss."

Mrs. Bell had a quizzical look on her face. "He already knows about that. Doesn't he?"

"Yes. I know. But still." She shrugged her shoulders.

"It will be alright. Aren't you glad you asked him to read it?" The elderly woman asked.

Amy nodded as she sipped the hot tea.

"They say the truth shall set you free."

"Free. That's what I am afraid of. We are just now talking again." She frowned. "I don't want to mess things up."

"Amy. The truth is always better."

"Here we go." Ty said as he opened the screen door. "Took me a bit longer than I expected." He handed her the warm bottle as he took a seat next to Amy.

"Thanks." Amy smiled at him, then rubbed the bottle's nipple across Ruth's mouth, letting a drop of formula touch her lips. The puppy quickly pulled the nipple in, smacking and sucking hungrily.

"Look at her go to town!" Mrs. Bell remarked as she handed Ty a cup of tea and a scone.

"Thanks. ...Speaking of town. Amy. I have class at 9 that I can't miss. Professor Johnson will have my hide if I am late. So I will have to head out soon."

"Okay. We can ride back to Heartland together." She paused, then asked. "Mind if I go with you to Calgary? I'll drive."

"Um. Sure. What's up?"

"Summer texted me. She wants to meet."

"Oh. What time is your meeting?"

"10."

"Okay. But. I have class until 1 today. Is that too late for you?"

"No. It's good. I need to go by the Polo Club too."

"Oh. Okay." He took a mouthful of scone, blueberry juice smeared on his fingers. "Oh. Mrs. Bell. You outdid yourself."

"Oh so good." Amy added, licking her lips.

Mrs. Bell chucked.

Hello Everyone. Enjoy this installment. Tell me what you think. Small World is next.

SBR

BTW. Our son and new daughter's wedding was beautiful, perfect in every way. We are all so thrilled and happy with our expanded family. Thank you for the well wishes.