Aelita gazed out the window, trying to replace the fear in her mind with the scenery rolling past. None of her friends were anywhere on the bus, for they were headed for other places to do their community service. Odd was at an animal shelter with Ulrich, Jeremy was at a library, and Yumi had opted for the "Institute of Old Folks" as some of the residents had christened it fondly.
"Don't worry, Aelita," Sissy said, leaning over the back of her seat to smile maliciously (or so it seemed) at the elf girl. "We'll have plenty of fun together."
"I've never been around horses before," Aelita murmured, gazing down at her clenched hands.
"This is a therapeutic horse farm," Sissy explained. "All you have to do is walk beside the horses and keep the children from falling off."
Aelita kept her silence until the bus rumbled to a halt beside the building of the farm. The few students within stepped down and filed into the building to meet the owner. Immediately, the lady launched into instructions and started handed out blank nametags. A few writing instruments began to circulate within the group as it broke off to do work. Aelita was led off to a row of stalls with older looking horses gazing through the doors "After we feed these guys, we'll let take them out," her guide, a girl several years older than her named Sarah, said. Buckets for feed were filled with the grains the horses needed and water to lower the hardness. Aelita took the prepared food to each stall, sliding open the door slightly to hang the feed from the hook. Sarah checked her watch, then grabbed a pair of lead ropes from a hook on the wall. Aelita caught hers deftly and took the other girl's lead in tying it to the halter of the second horse fed. A glance at the nameplate told her she was leading Fancy.
Slowly they made their way across the lawn, Fancy more or less pulling Aelita along. The horse stopped before a gate with a board on which several names were written. As soon as there was enough space, Fancy darted in and began to graze. Smiling, Aelita walked back up to the barn.
"Pie's paddock is a bit further away," Sarah said, gesturing to a small pony. "Cider's is on the way."
Pie nickered softly as the rope was attached. Another horse, brown with white stockings, walked docilely beside Sarah. They passed a large field, occupied by only one black horse as far back as possible. It looked up as they went past and began to lope over curiously.
"Who's that?" Aelita asked, pointing to the advancing figure.
"That's a charity case," Sarah sighed. "He was rescued from a slaughterhouse with no pedigree to his name and fought the whole ride over. As soon as he was released in the field, he took off. No one can get near him."
Pie pulled onward, strong despite his size and age. He, too, knew the way to his paddock and trotted on, matching the pace of a human walk. Again her charge was off as soon as possible.
Sarah seemed to be having a bit more trouble with Cider, who seemed content to munch the grass on the outside of the fence, soAelita headed back to the barn.
A snort attracted her attention to the left, where a gigantic black horse gazed at her warily. She walked over and held out her hand. He took a sniff and rubbed his muzzle against it.
"Hey, Wraith," she murmured, stroking his thick winter coat. "I never thought I'd see you again."
"Get away from there!" Sarah screamed, sprinting over. "He's unpredictable!"
"Don't worry, I know him," Aelita replied. He nudged her lightly, affectionately. "He's a big softy."
For a moment, Sarah paused, uncertain. Then she took off to the barn, sprinting as fast as she could. That didn't matter to the two reunited friends; they were happy to have each other.
Author's note: That is what my uncle actually calls his retirement community. I mean no disrespect by that.
