Though Karen stresses over whether Pegasus will like the ranch, the beauty and serenity of its setting soothe her worries away.

Scene 07: Karen and Mama Follow Tex to the Ranch

She and Mama climbed into the Bel Air, put on their seat belts, and headed toward the stables. Driving fast, Mama quickly caught up with the red truck.

“Look, Mama! You can see Pegasus in the trailer!” Karen shouted.

Mama said that was good, but then they fell into silence. Karen’s mood sank as she worried about whether Pegasus would like the ranch and get along with real horses as well as he got along with wooden ones. She watched for landmarks—buildings, billboards, points of interest—to help her estimate how much further they had to go. The drive seemed much longer than it had, before.

At last, they left the main road and drove up into the hills. Turn after sharp turn, they passed the creek, the grassy hills and the sumptuous oak trees. The intense beauty brought stillness to Kitten’s soul. With each twist and bend, fresh air fluttered through the open window and onto her face. Like the scenery, it helped her let go. Its coolness renewed her energetic nature, and the same coolness soothed her soul.

Soon, she saw the watering hole and the Sierra Nevada Stables sign. Her face lit up in a smile, and her bubbly attitude returned, as Mama followed the horse trailer into the gravel parking lot.

©2021, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.