The barn was dark as death.
Slivers of light slanted in through the rafters, lighting up the grime and the grit neglect. They fell on a bale of hay thrown in, almost as afterthought, to feed a half-forgotten nag.
The door groans a protest as it is forced open in a shower of rust. I blink wearily at the figure outlined in the doorway - a sight as longed-for as the feel of grass beneath my hooves. But the years, the hurts, the pain of abandonment hold me back. She murmurs soothingly. I step forward, brushing aside my bitterness. I neigh a soft welcome.
Years ago, she was mine. We were one, a blend of speed and agility, until a rock brought me to my knees, and into the clean white office. A man with a worried expression whispered to my partner as my brown coat was marred by a white bandage. I could smell fear in the room. A few hours later, when she led me to this barn, her face was still wet.
She left me there and she went, shutting the door behind her. I knew she’d come for me some day, though. She wouldn’t leave me in here forever.
She led me out of the barn, into the light. The first glint lit up my dull coat, and I shook what was left of my mane proudly. She led me over the hills of my home, and I savoured the feel of gravel and grass underfoot. And this time, I was careful of the rocks, careful not to step on them.
I wondered where she was leading me - perhaps to the man with the hot rocks to get more metal for my feet? And maybe then we’d canter, exploring the tracks, the woods, the course? I’d get a second chance, to make up for my slight, the rock. We’d be reunited, a perfect team, Bellerophon and Pegasus, challenging the wind.
We’d fly past the others, me whinnying derisively as she laughs pure ecstasy. She’d feed me sweet apples and cubes of paradise to reward me, but her smile was all I needed. That dream, that wish was so strong that I didn’t notice where we were headed.
The grey shed loomed up ahead, a dirty blotch on the green. I felt terror, like I had never felt before. I balked. She comforted me, she put her arm around my neck, her face close to mine. Her face was wet, just like that long ago day.
I trusted her, because I loved her so. I walked into the shed, and I saw the gleam of the axe, and I knew I’d never get my second chance.