Page 109 of River
“Does Clara like being alone out here? Doesn’t she miss her friends?”
Fleur looked to Clara and then she said. “She says no. She knows we would like to integrate her with the other horses, but she’s apprehensive because earlier in her life, she was bitten by another horse.”
“Oh, Clara, I’m so sorry.” Saffron’s long brown hair was blowing in the wind as she stood on the fence and reached out to touch the horse.
“How old is she?”
“She’s thirteen years old.”
“Then she’s five years older than me. I just turned eight.”
“Can you ask her if she understands what we’re saying?” Maximum asked.
“She understands that we’re talking about her and that you’re curious about her. She’s curious about you too.”
“Who, me?”
“The whole group. She wants to be sure you’re not here to buy her away from me or ride her.”
“Doesn’t she like to be ridden?” Liv asked.
“No. Clara hasn’t had any good experiences riding, so I’ve promised her that no one will ride her unless she allows it.”
Saffron kept stroking Clara and leaned her head closer. “Would you letmeride you? I’m not heavy.”
Fleur smiled. “Riding a nervous horse is never a good idea, but Sandy, one of our other horses, is calm and she won’t mind.”
“But can you ask Clara if she would let me if you grownups would allow it?” Saffron was stroking Clara between her eyes, and the horse stood very still allowing her touch.
Fleur walked over and touched Clara. “Clara says that she would allow you to ride her if it’s short. She likes you. But I’d still prefer you ride Sandy. Clara is still too skittish.”
“Can you tell her my name is Saffron?”
“That’s a nice name. Close your eyes for a second and try to feel Clara’s energy. Ask yourself what you can pick up about her.”
Saffron closed her eyes and for a moment, she stood on the fence like she was on a ship with the wind blowing her hair back.
“Try asking her if she has something to tell you.”
“Apple, I see apples in my mind.”
“Yes, what else?”
With her eyes still closed, Saffron raised her chin up as if she was listening to the wind. “Does she have problems with her tail?” Saffron opened her eyes and turned to look at Fleur with a frown. “Did someone cut off Clara’s tail?”
“Clearly not, you can see it right there,” Maximum said while Fleur lit up and had eyes only for my little sister.
“Yes, Saffron. Someone did cut off her tail, and she was very upset about it.”
Empathy shone from Saffron. “I felt like I wanted to cry when I saw the short tail.”
“I know. That’s because you picked up on one of Clara’s memories.” Fleur held her hand out to Saffron. “You have a natural gift like many children do. Would you like me to introduce you to some of the other animals that live here on the farm? As I said, we have other horses, cows, five cheeky goats, chickens, and some wonderful dogs whom Noah is helping me train to become service dogs. Maybe you can meet the three cats as well.”
Saffron was having a great time and took Fleur’s hand.
“Let’s say goodbye to Clara for now.”
“Bye, Clara.” Saffron waved, and Liv called a goodbye too.
