The evening air felt familiar again. Calm. Still. Jolene stepped slowly toward the field, her movements careful but steady. Keola was already there. Waiting. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Jolene walked closer. “Hey, girl…” she said softly. Keola didn’t rush this time. Didn’t panic.
She simply stepped forward and lowered her head gently toward Jolene. Careful. Controlled. Jolene wrapped her arms around her neck, holding on a little tighter than usual. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t understand.” Keola let out a soft breath, resting close against her. Jolene placed a hand over her stomach, glancing down for a brief second.
Then back at Keola. “You were trying to tell me, weren’t you?” The horse stayed still. Quiet. But present. And somehow… that was enough.