Jolene took her time walking along the edge of the farm that afternoon. The air felt lighter these days. Easier. For the first time in a while, she wasn’t overthinking everything. The appointments, the waiting, the uncertainty—it all felt behind her now. They had found a doctor they trusted. Someone who stayed on top of things.
Someone who didn’t make it feel complicated. She exhaled softly, letting that thought settle. That’s when she noticed Keola. The horse was approaching from across the field—slow, steady, unhurried. Jolene smiled. “Hey, girl…” She rested a hand lightly over her stomach without thinking. “Already looking out for me?” she murmured.
Keola stopped in front of her. For a second, nothing happened. Then the horse lowered her head. And nudged forward. Once. Then again. This time harder. Jolene flinched slightly, stepping back. “Hey—easy…” Keola didn’t follow. She just stood there. Still.
Jolene rubbed her stomach, frowning faintly. That… hadn’t felt like nothing. She turned and headed back inside, the moment lingering longer than she expected.