I want to press her up against the wall like I did last night.
And also crawl into a hot tub and never get out.
“I’ll be right back.” Hopping into the slurry of icy rain, I trot back to my truck to get my Henley first, then the roll of vet-tape from the rear seat.
The dry layer lasts less than a second in the onslaught, but it’s all I have.
Part of me wants to just work on the flat.
But I know the horse is more important to her.
She tries so hard to act tough, yet she wears her heart on her sleeve now that I know what to look for.
I’ve seen glimpses. They’ve become cherished moments.
“Let’s get her taken care of.” I give my best smile through the shivers. “Keep her calm.”
With both of us, it goes quickly.
Once Misty is doctored up as well as I can do, I dive into addressing the tire next.
I’m just pulling the mangled one off when Sophia hops out of the trailer and closes the door.
“Thank you for your help.” Her arms wrap her waist snugly.
“Thank me by getting where it’s warm. Please?” I look up imploringly as I wrestle the spare on.
Luckily it’s a full sized, and not one of those little donuts that are only good for fifty miles.
“Okay,” she squeaks before rushing to the cab.
It only takes a few more minutes and I’m done.
I’m also soaked to the fucking core and so damn cold I’m not shivering anymore.
But she’s ready to go.
I’ll get my coat later. For now, I just want to sit where the heater can pour over me and get the feeling back into my fingers.
Giving her a quick flash of my headlights to signal her, I wait until she’s on the highway, then drop my forehead to my steering wheel for a second.
This sucks.
All I want to do is comfort her, yet I’m the one who decided to withhold the truth.
My own resolve is slipping.
How much more can I take before I lose control?
Death re-warmed
Sophia
I think my bodywanted to make sure Misty was healthy first.
Because now?
I feel like shit.
