Scene 7: Keeping an Open but Wise Heart
At the stables, Karen found Pegasus in a pasture, enjoying the sunny afternoon with some other horses. She explained what had happened.
He nodded and said, “Kitten, sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, and you have to refuse to walk into traps. You knew what kind of girl Claudia is. It is one thing to be friendly and kind, but it’s another to let someone take advantage of you. If she invites you again, take some ratty old doll dresses and prepare to stand up for yourself. Sometimes, going into a difficult situation with your heart open is not the best way. Sometimes, you need to hold back a little.”
“Do you think there’ll be a next time? I mean, Mama said she would talk with Claudia’s mom about getting the dress back and getting some help with Claudia.”
There was a long pause. Kitten knew Pegasus was looking within for wisdom. Then he spoke.
“My horse intuition tells me that Claudia will not invite you back. Like she told you, she is done with you. She is too proud to apologize for her horrid behavior, and without an apology, the friendship cannot proceed. Besides, she controls her mother, so whatever Mama says will have little effect.”
“Yes,” Kitten said. “I can see that now. I’d like to have more friends, but Claudia may be a lost cause.”
“Unfortunately, she may be. With her father gone, she has only her mother, and her mother seems unable to help her.”
“Then I will keep my heart open, even to her, but I won’t let her take advantage of me again.”
Pegasus smiled his horsey smile and said, “That’s my wise girl. Now, let’s go for a ride and enjoy the beautiful afternoon.”
Original text ©2022 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.
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