Say something. Right. I should say something. I suck in air, preparing to speak, but get hit with the sickening smell of death. I recoil, eyes watering, and then it’s like Bob is suddenly stuck in reverse, reaching out for me right as he’s yanked backward. His head jerks to the side and a noose appears around his neck as he’s lifted into the trees. His body sways with the wind for a moment and then he disappears.
“The fuck?” I mutter, still not able to move. I blink rapidly, looking up at the trees. Nothing is amiss, and the half-dozen or so horses in the pasture before me are still grazing as if everything is normal.
And maybe it is—to them. But for the last seven years, Bob has stayed in exactly one spot and has never reacted to me, no matter how hard I tried, and I threw things at him before. They passed right through him, of course, but I felt guilty for days.
I let my eyes fall shut, shaking myself. I have to get Charlie and get him ready for a lesson. Focus, Anora. Bob is dead. My student isn’t, and she’s rather difficult. I can’t lose her and risk having to choose between groceries or Mystery’s board next month.
I’d choose Mystery over myself anyway, of course, and speaking of my white Arabian, he nickers softly when he sees me, and then gives me the stink eye when I go to Charlie, not him.
“I’ll be back for you,” I promise, and have to chase after the stubborn pony before I’m able to catch him. I hurry back to the barn and get Charlie ready just in time for Heather to arrive. It’s a bit of a mental fight to keep my attention solely on her for the next hour, and it’s only once she’s gone, Charlie’s back in the pasture, and I’m leading Mystery toward the barn that I can relax.
“You know what?” I tell my horse, stopping halfway between the pasture and the barn. “Let’s just go for a walk in the woods.”
Mystery gently nudges me, wanting me to turn around so he can rub his head against my back. White fur sticks to my sweaty skin, thanks to the late-August heat. I tie his lead rope to his halter, making a makeshift bridle, and hop up on his back.
There are a few miles of winding trails through the forest behind the pastures, and it’s always been my happy place. I relax as I feel Mystery move beneath me, knowing the path and needing little direction from me. I keep the lead rope loosely held on one hand and absentmindedly twist his mane through my fingers of my free hand.
Letting my eyes fall shut, I tip my head up once we get into the woods. Sunlight filters through the trees, warming my face every few paces. I love being out here, alone with my horse. I can let everything bad slip away for a little while.
Suddenly, Mystery’s head shoots up, and his entire body tenses. I open my eyes and lean forward to keep my balance. Something moves through the underbrush beside us. I turn, taking a tighter hold on the lead rope. When I don’t see anything, I urge Mystery forward.
“Come on, boy,” I say in a calm voice. “It’s probably just a bunny. And not the evil killer bunny you got scared of last week.” I roll my eyes and pat his neck. “Though really, you could totally take that bunny.”
Mystery takes a few steps forward before he comes to a halt. His ears twitch, listening to something that I can’t hear. I urge him forward again, but he doesn’t budge. Instead, he sidesteps off the path. Branches crash into my face, and I duck my head down.
“Mystery, whoa,” I say, but he’s too spooked to listen. I pull back on the lead rope, struggling to direct him onto the path. “Calm down, big guy, it’s okay.”
Branches snap behind us. I turn my head, my breath catching in my chest when I see a dog slink through the trees.
“Easy, baby,” I sooth, letting go of the rope with one hand to pet Mystery’s neck. “It’s a dog. We’ve come across them before. Remember, you’re bigger than he is.” I watch the dog move through the weeds, and my nerves shoot through me when the dog growls. If this dog attacks, it’s not going to end well. One kick to the face could kill this dog,