style="font-size:15px;"> “My name is Alberta Simms, Mrs. Woodall.”
The woman studied Bird’s face. Recognition dawned, and she blushed slightly. “I don’t wish to continue this conversation.” Kelsey Woodall turned and walked away.
Bird could understand her embarrassment. Earlier that summer, they’d had an unfortunate interaction. Candace had broken her ankle falling off Moonlight Sonata. Their trainer, Dexter Pill, had flown into a rage, and Kelsey Woodall had been rude and high-handed to Aunt Hannah. But Bird couldn’t give up. This horse’s life might be worth saving.
“I’m sorry to be a pest,” said Bird.
“I’ve heard of you. They call you Bird.”
Bird nodded. “And you’re Sally.”
“Yes, I’m Sally Johns. I can’t believe you remembered my name! I mean, everybody knows you, but I’m not … you know … famous.”
It was Bird’s turn to blush. “I’m not famous,” she mumbled, then changed the subject. “I saw you ride your paint, Peasblossom. He’s cute. You did great today.”
“Thanks! Eighth is still in the ribbons!” Sally’s smile faded. “My father bought me a new horse because I’m outgrowing Peasblossom, but it’s not working out so well.”
Hannah had pushed through the flow of departing adults and kids. When she finally reached Bird and Sally, she wasn’t pleased. “The horses are standing on the trailer and the girls are waiting.”
“Aunt Hannah, this is Sally Johns. I heard her say that her horse is going to be put down.”
“My dear Bird.” Hannah let out an exasperated sigh. “You cannot save every horse on the planet. This is her business, not yours.”
“It might be very simple, though! An aching muscle or rough teeth.”
“I’m sure they’ve had the vet out. Come now, Bird.” Hannah smiled at Sally. “Sorry to pull her away, but you know how it is.”
Sally nodded. “I know. But Bird? The horse’s name is Tall Sox. He’s stabled with Dexter Pill at Moreland Farm on the Fifth Sideroad.”
Hannah reacted to that information. She began pulling Bird outside by the arm.
“Do you live close by?” called Bird over her shoulder.
“I’m with my mom right now. She’s on Kennedy Road in Cheltenham.”
“Okay. I’ll be at Saddle Creek all weekend.”
“I know where it is. It’s not far from my mom’s place, and Moreland Farm, too.”
“Come over tomorrow!” Bird spoke loudly enough to be heard across the room. Sally nodded enthusiastically as Hannah slammed the door behind them.
As soon as they were outside, Hannah muttered under her breath, “Dexter Pill!” Her voice got louder and louder as they neared the trailer. “Bird, you know how I feel about him. Dexter Pill! You’re to have nothing to do with this, do you hear me?”
“This is about the horse, not the trainer.”
“The horse is stabled with the trainer, Bird! You cannot deal with the horse without dealing with the trainer. You know that.”
“Please don’t be mad.”
“Don’t you remember how he treated Moonlight Sonata at the show just a couple of months ago?”
Bird certainly did remember. It had been ugly. “All the more reason to help Sally’s horse. Just think what Tall Sox must be going through!”
“Dexter won’t even allow you on the property! He hates us for rescuing Moonie and then winning firsts with her. It makes him look bad.”
“But this isn’t about him!”
“You’re not listening, Bird! Dexter will not let you help!”
“And you’re not listening, either! I don’t care about Dexter. I don’t need him!”
“You need him to allow you in his barn!”
Bird and Hannah stood face to face, yelling at each other. Bird looked around and realized they were causing a bit of a scene — people were starting to stare. She didn’t care. This was important.
Hannah’s shoulders slumped and her expression softened. “I’m sorry, Bird,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to lose my temper. I’m upset at the thought of Dexter Pill, not at you. No matter how charming people think he is, that man makes my blood boil.”
Bird was still angry. “I know, but you don’t understand. I’m not like other people. I can help this horse no matter what you or Kelsey Woodall or Dexter Pill say.”
“I hear you. Nothing I say is going to change your mind.”
“Finally.” Bird exhaled noisily.
“Did you say Kelsey Woodall?”
“Yes. She was the woman talking to Sally when I went over.”
“About putting the horse down?”
“Yes.”
Hannah looked thoughtful. “Interesting.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m not sure, but I have a funny feeling. I know she’s been looking for a new horse for Candace. Are they trying to sell Sally the old one?”
Bird looked at her aunt. The Woodalls stabled horses and trained with Dexter Pill. Maybe there was more to this than Bird had first thought. “One thing I know about funny feelings,” she said, “is that we should pay attention to them.”
Hannah smiled. She put out her right hand for Bird to shake. “Friends again?”
Bird accepted her handshake. “Friends again.”
“Then let’s get back to Saddle Creek Farm and look after these horses.” Hannah took Bird’s arm, and together they joined the others at the rig.
2
TALL SOX
In any great undertaking, it is not enough for a man to depend simply on himself.
— Lone Man, Teton Sioux
The horses were all outside in the cool evening air, bathed and fed, grazing in their fields. The heavy rain had greened up the grass, and the leaves sparkled with drops of rain. It had been a very successful day. After cleaning the tack and bringing the laundry inside to wash, everybody was ready for dinner and bed.
Once Bird had
