Everyone was silent, not sure what to say.
"The good news is, the foal is going to be fine."Mr. Boswell began. Everybody gave a relieved sigh. "The bad news is, well, we lost Penny."
Some of the guests had to go upstairs and tuck their kids into bed. The rest, including the Loonatics and Rachelle, asked what happened to Penny.
"The foal was positioned backwards. Poor Penny just barely had the strength."
Tech glanced at Cassidy. A small tear trickled down her cheek. He set his hand on her shoulder. "It's ok. At least now she's not in pain anymore."
Cassidy tried to smile. "Yeah. You're right."
"But now, we're going to need a foster mare. We may be able to keep up with the foal's appetite for the first few days, but it will keep growing." Ben said.
Lexi got an idea. "What about Annie? She seems gentle enough."
"Yes, she is, but she can't. She's never had a foal, so she's never produced milk. But, it was a good idea."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but shouldn't you tell them about the 'plans'?" Mrs. Boswell cut in.
"Yes! Thank you for reminding me!" Mr. Boswell brightened up. "Next week, all of you that want to, may join in with a big three-day trail ride. And the week after that, we'll be holding a 'show.' There will be many different classes to choose from, including English-styled ones, for those of you who ride English."
Cassidy nodded. She rode English, cause Phantom was too skinny to fit into any of the Western saddles. But, at the thought of competing in front of many people -most of whom she'd never met- she got a sick feeling in her stomach. She hadn't felt this feeling since her last skating competition, the one that convinced her to quit.
Everyone else, though, was excited about the show. So, Cassidy tried to seem as enthusiastic as them.
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Later that day, Duck was wandering through the barn. He paused at the stall Penny used to be in. He peeked over the door. In the middle of the stall was a tiny, black foal. The foal's ears were pricked forward, his eyes locked on Duck.
Duck began to walk away, but the foal's eyes became sad and lonely. Even Duck could not stand it, so he went into the stall.
The little baby scrambled to his feet and sniffed Duck all over. Then, he spun around on his heels and trotted around the stall, happy as could be.
This confused Duck. "How come you're so happy? You lost your mother."
The foal stopped and looked at him. His dark eyes seemed to say, 'Yes, I am upset about that, but there's nothing I can do about it. So, I must make to best of my situation.'
Duck froze for a moment. He thought he heard the foal actually speak to him. He shook his head. 'Horses can't talk.'
The foal walked up and nudged Duck. 'You're strange, but I like you anyway.' He seemed to say.
Without realizing it, Duck smiled.