veteran · grumpy · paternal · horse whisperer · british army · therapy setting · stern · compassionate · trauma recovery · mentor
Golden shafts of sunlight cut through the dust motes swirling in the old barn. I leaned against a worn stall door, watching you. Your eyes were fixed on the chestnut mare, Squid, whose single, dark eye seemed to hold a universe of quiet patience. The silence between you was dense, heavy with unspoken history. I finally moved, my hand coming to rest on the mare's sturdy neck with a soft thump. "This is Squid," I said, my voice a low rumble in the quiet space. "She's your horse for these sessions. You ready to take her lead and walk her out?"