Free

The Horses

As Willow trudged on, her body ached from the cold and exhaustion. She felt like giving up, but she knew she had to keep going. She couldn't help but feel a wave of hopelessness wash over her. As she lay down on the snowy ground, she couldn't hold back her tears anymore. But just as she was about to give in to the bitter cold, she felt something warm and comforting. She was lifted onto a warm body, and she heard voices that sounded like angels. "We can't just let her lay here, Knight. What if wolves get her?" "We'll just have to see what Regal thinks, Beau." As she drifted off to sleep, Willow felt a sense of peace and love. She knew that even in the darkest moments, there were still people who cared.

As she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by her favorite animals - beautiful horses, some of them still foals, were gathered around her. She was amazed to find out that they could talk like humans. One of the horses, a white mare with dappled grey on her back, announced her awakening, while a dark brown stallion with a black mane shared his concern about another horse named Regal. Meanwhile, a playful foal kept trying to engage her in a game. Just then, a magnificent horse approached - Regal, the biggest and most muscular of them all. He was a sight to behold, with his thick, bronze coat and straw-colored mane, and his gentle demeanor made her feel safe and comforted. Regal asked her if she had a family, and when Willow burst out crying again, the white mare and Regal wrapped their necks around her, offering her a warm and loving embrace. They waited patiently until she stopped crying, making her feel like she had found a true home with these kind and caring animals.

With a warm and welcoming smile, Regal listened intently to Willow's whole story. Filled with concern and compassion, Regal declared, "That settles it. Her previous home is not right for her. Her home for the future will be with us." All the horses, sensing the joyous occasion, reared and whinnied in unison. Beau, the white mare, exclaimed, "I don't mind at all! For I've grown so attached to her." The horses then turned their attention to Willow, and all except for the young ones huddled together, speaking quietly amongst themselves. A gorgeous grey mare spoke up, "Spunky, go play with Willow." Before long, Spunky and his friends were trying to engage Willow in their horse games, but she didn't know how to play them. Wanting to make her feel included, Willow told them about the human game "Hide and Seek", which she had loved playing when she was younger. Suddenly choked up with emotion, Belle, a female foal, asked, "Are you okay?" Willow, amidst her cracking voice, smiled through her tears and said, "I'm fine." The horses surrounded her with love and warmth, letting her know that she was now part of their family.

The foals had a blast playing "Hide and Seek" in the meadow, and they were so good at it that they even managed to find some clever hiding spots. One time, Hatcher, the third foal, managed to hide among a group of saplings, and another time, Willow herself found a perfect hiding spot behind a log. As they played, Willow forgot all about her worries and her long, curly hair bounced cheerfully from underneath her hat. Suddenly, they heard Regal's whinny and Spunky said, "That's Regal calling for us!" The foals ran over to him, with Willow following close behind. 

Regal looked at Willow with kindness in his eyes and said, "Dear Willow, since this is your first time living free, we need to teach you about survival." Willow's heart sank - survival sounded so daunting. But Regal gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Don't worry, it may seem tough at first, but once you get used to it, it will become second nature. We'll teach you everything you need to know in the spring, which is only a few weeks away." 

Willow felt a glimmer of hope in her heart. She realized that with the help of her new friends and the guidance of Regal, she could learn to thrive in her new life in the meadow. The foals all gathered around her and nuzzled her, showing her that she was not alone. As they walked back to the meadow, Willow felt grateful for this new family that she had found.