Decoy
I listen closely to Riva. I hadn't realized how bad I had hurt Maria when I said it, but now I kind of do realize it. I hadn't tried to hurt her, I was just, just not stable. Maria should have able to tell that I hadn't truly meant it. I look up and nuzzle Riva.
"I didn't mean what I said. It was just...well, I was...I guess I wasn't thinking straight. Why couldn't she see that? She's normally the stronger one, you know. I can't lose her again, Riva. Not after I found her. When I found her, Zach was all I had left. I had met another mare, too. Her name was Scarlette. She was Katy's horse. But, she died. She went over a waterfall, Riva. I feel like I'm losing everyone I let inside. Lori, Scarlette, Maria, and I just don't want to-can't- lose you and Shy. Of course I have Zach, but he spends all his time with Katy as if he were a stallion courting a mare," I smile softly at my remark, but the smile disappears directly after. "What am I going to do?" I ask her in a whisper. I lay my head on the rocks of Lori's grave and let a single shiver run through my whole body. I don't think I can survive this way, I think to myself, but I dare not say it out loud.
Zorro
I nuzzle Maria softly.
"Tell me exactly what happened, Maria. I'd like to know why you stopped getting along with him. Why, the first day I met you he was so darn protective of you I could barely come up to you. He loves you Maria. And, honestly, when I first saw him with you, I almost turned tail and ran. He's younger than I am, but he's also bigger. I was so nervous that day. Tell me what happened to make that vanish so suddenly," I nuzzle her again and set my head over her back, nibbling her mane a little bit to comfort her.






