Loranna had graciously offered to babysit Kyle for the afternoon so I could go riding and I seized the opportunity. It was a beautiful afternoon, the perfect kind when the sun is high and bright and the sky a stunning blue but the air is crisp and clear. It had yet to snow which was strange for this time of year.
Millicent was being particularily stubborn today. Though I had been out to ride her as often as I could and Jakob continued to lunge and ride her when she grudgingly permit him, she still was acting as if she were horribly neglected. However, it was not unusual for her to act this way. I'd go away for a couple days and receive the same treatment.
"You stubborn girl," I smirked, trying to fasten the girth of her saddle which was becoming increasingly more difficult with the increasing size of her ribs. I lunged her for a few minutes and was able to tighten up the buckle with a little less of a fight.
I led her out of the stable and down to the river. We passed the rock face and headed up a trail to the ridge overlooking Evergreen. Down below I saw a strange truck pull into the drive. It was Mack, I saw. I'd met him briefly when he'd asked where Mindy's apartment was. I'd hesitated to tell him, but Toby offered to go with him so I thought it would be alright. I wondered what the deal was. I'd have to ask Mindy. I also saw Jason and Mandy in the paddock with Noel and some of the other mares. Suddenly, Jakob jumped from the door of the office and slammed it. Hard.
"Oh no," I whispered. Mill snorted impatiently. "What now?"
I nudged Mill into a walk along the path and trotted up the hill to the stable.
"Sorry hun," I said to Mill and I quickly took off her saddle and brushed her down. "I promise a good long ride this evening." I lead her to her stall and gave her a handful of oats. She was keen to forgive me then.
I hurried into the apartment. Jakob sat with his face in his hands on the couch.
"Jakob?" I sat down next to him and took his hand. He turned his head, revealing flushed cheeks and a look of utter despair. "Jakob? What happened?"
"My father died," he said suddenly and almost angrily.
My heart lept into my throat. "What? When?"
"This morning. He had a heart attack. Out of nowhere. Dahmnatt found him on the floor in the kitchen and called the hospital. They just got him to a doctor and he was gone," he explained, rubbing his forehead.
"It was Fionn who called. She wants us to come over as soon as we can. She said Damhnatt's in a terrible state of shock. She won't speak," he told me.
"Oh Jakob, I'm so sorry." I hugged him. He clung to me and I felt him shudder. He began crying and shaking his head.
"Should we go there now?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes. I should like to see Damhnatt," he said into my shoulder.
-Scarlet
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