My Girl

"Where is she? She is usually here by now, I am going to starve to death!" Freckles paced and fussed in his corral while keeping a close eye on the path. Any minute now she will be coming around the corner.

"I think you have a soft spot for the Hay Girl," Violet teased. "You really enjoy her company, it has nothing to do with your rumbling tummy"

"You just hush!" Freckles grumbled, "What do you know? you are just a goat!"

"I know you get a little hop in your step whenever she is around, you're not the grumpy old fool that you want everyone to think you are. You are in fact a big softy, you really do love that Hay Girl!"

"Maybe, just a little, but don't you tell anyone!" Freckles scolded. "She needs me."

"Almost as much as you need her. If I remember correctly, you were in sad shape when you got here. Hay Girl spent hours sitting with you, doctoring you and tending to all your needs. Made me a bit jealous. I heard the Big Man saying that first night that he did not think you would make it through till morning, but you did! and many more nights after that, she pulled you through. We are very lucky to have her." As Violet bounced away in pure goat style to find some crunchy leaves to munch on, she could hear Freckles nickering.

"I can hear her! She is coming! My girl is finally coming to see me!" Freckles could not help himself and began kicking up his hooves in celebration. His favorite time of the day is any time he could spend with his girl, it did not matter what they were doing, he just wanted to be with her. His favorite was just listening to her tell him about her day. Life has been rough for her lately and he was always happy to listen, it always seemed to make her feel better too. Sometimes she would cry and Freckles would help her dry her tears with his mane.

"What is she riding? That is different, is it hurting her? Is she ok? She seems happy, and she is quicker than normal."

"Freckles!" she squealed, " I am sorry I am so late but my new wheelchair came in and dad took me to get it after he picked me up from school. It runs on a battery so I do not have to push it with my hands, isn't it cool? It will be so much easier now and we will be able to go for longer walks now. Let me go get your dinner and I can tell you all about it! I am so glad to have you as my friend, I don't know what I would have done without you after my accident."

As she zoomed off to the barn to retrieve dinner, Freckles couldn't help but think that he was the lucky one. He thought back to how bad life was before she found him. Days without food or even sight of a person, when they did come around they were never as nice as she is. Hay Girl has never tried to hurt him, she has only shown him love and kindness. He was living a different kind of life and loved it. He showed up skinny, weak, and so very hungry. Now Hay Girl keeps him fat and happy, she has taught him so many new things too! Like nose kisses, and hugs. He knows what it feels like to have a clean coat, fresh clean bedding, a warm place to sleep, and not have burs in his mane and tail. Thinking about how lucky he is now put a big smile on his face and made his heart happy. 

How could he possibly repay her for all of her love and kindness?  How could he ever show her how grateful he is for all that she has done? “I will be the best Freckles there ever was, I am not quite sure how to do that but I am going to do it for her!”

As he happily munched his sweet alfalfa he listened intently while Hay Girl told him all about her day and her new wheelchair, how they would be able to take walks together, and something called therapy. She talked about school, and her friends. Her voice was soft and calm, Freckles could tell that she had a good day today. Some days are not so good. But for today, right now, it is a good day. Today they will watch the sunset together over the rolling hills and enjoy the moment. 

After dinner, much talking, and a good relaxing brushout, Freckles was relaxed and ready to curl up for a good sleep. The Big Guy finished up feeding the other barn mates and got Violet tucked into her pen for the night. “Are you ready to head to the house? Morning comes early, kid-o.”

The Big Guy was right, it seemed that as soon as Freckles closed his eyes, Rosco was telling the world it was morning. “Cock - a - doodle- do! Get up and get the day started, it will not wait for you!”

“Time to get up and greet the day!” Today is special, it is what they call the weekend. Hay Girl does not have to go to school and they can spend all day together. What a great day it turned out to be. Freckles and his Hay Girl got to go for their very first walk together. It was not far and they went really slowly, but it was the best walk Freckles could ever remember. The Big Guy even came along. 

“So, how was it? Did you have fun? What is it like beyond the fence?” Violet was so excited she was asking questions faster than Freckles could answer them, dancing from foot to foot, eyes wide with wonder and anticipation. “I want to hear every detail! Do you think I could go too?” Freckles started telling his story of the wonders that lay beyond the fence, all the barn friends gathered around to hear his tales of adventure and excitement.