Life through Jam Jar Glasses by Claudia Disney

Author:Claudia Disney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Claudia Disney
Published: 2022-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

I LEFT HOME early this morning. Dad is in a bad mood, ranting and raving like a lunatic. He’s still furious about the broken window and makes sure I know it. I cut some bread for breakfast and cut it skew. You’d swear it was the beginning of another World War. Rather than standing in dad’s firing line, I choose to go to school early. Even school is better than dad right now. I grab my bicycle and head out the door.

It is windy and I stand on the pedals to go faster. The village is quiet, even the bakery is still closed. Perhaps I can spend some time with Titanic and his paddock friends before school, I think. My heart jumps with joy at the thought of spending time with the big horse, and it doesn’t take long before I make it to the forest turnoff.

I nod at the grave on the side of the road, wishing the young girl a pleasant day. The forest is still dark; the trees welcoming me like a long-lost friend. A cold mist floats on the wind and tickles my cheeks. I take my time cycling down the narrow path, breathing in the forest's peace. I wish my life could be this peaceful all the time.

The sun is up by the time I get to the horse paddock. I lean my bicycle against a tree and walk up to the gate. I can see the sleeping horses bunched together at the far end of the paddock, their breath steaming in the still air.

I call out to them.

“Hey, sleepyheads.”

Titanic jerks his head up, instantly awake. He stares at me for a few seconds, not sure if he’s awake or still dreaming. But once he realizes it is me, he shakes himself and ambles over in a slow trot. He snorts when he gets to the gate, already demanding the fresh grass I hold in my hand. Behind him, the others are wandering over as well at a more sedate pace. I give each horse a nibble, pat their necks, and whisper some caring words in their ears. Titanic bumps me, demanding more grass. I gather as much as I can find and offer it to the greedy beasts.

When everyone seems satisfied, I climb on the gate. I grab a handful of Titanic’s mane and swing myself onto his back. He turns his head to look at me, his kind eye asking me what I want to do. I squeeze his flanks with my heel and Titanic responds. I’m thrilled I can communicate with him. With a bit of luck, he won’t try to sweep me off again. The other horses watch with interest as Titanic and I wander around the paddock. The big horse treats me to a short trot, a canter, and a trot again. I’m sure he is enjoying this little workout as much as I do. His steps are energetic and his ears pricked to full attention.

I thoroughly enjoy Titanic’s company.

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