Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“Sounds like something I would do,” I giggled under my breath.
“My mother was the only one who ever did anything like that for me.”
His words got to me, but it was the solemn look in his eyes that made my heart ache. I wanted to say something. I wanted to tell him that I might’ve been Viktor’s friend, but I cared about him, too. I cared about all of them.
He and his brothers and mother were like family to me, but before I could find the words, his car turned off the main road and through an elaborate, gated entry.
It was growing dark, but even in the shadows, I could see that the house was beautiful. The grounds were surrounded by rows of pristine white fencing, and just beyond them was the silhouette of an enormous barn. Sergei slowed and parked near the barn entrance, then cut the engine and turned to me. His eyes were hard once again, and his voice was firm as he ordered, “Stay put.”
Without another word, he got out and closed the door. I watched him walk through the gate and toward the stables. The doors swung shut behind him, and then, there was nothing.
I sat there in the dark, staring at the side entrance, and my breath fogged the window as I waited for some sign of Sergei. It felt like I’d sat there for hours. My stomach started growling, and I desperately needed to go to the bathroom. I crossed and uncrossed my legs, hoping the feeling would pass.
It didn’t.
If anything, it only grew worse.
I’d promised to stay in the car, and I didn’t want to break my word. But after what felt like an eternity, I had no choice. He hadn’t come back, and I couldn’t just sit there in agony. I tugged the toboggan low over my head, hiding my hair and most of my face, then quietly opened my door and slipped out.
I crept toward the stables, and as soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a loud neigh from one of the horses. I didn’t bother trying to quiet him down. I knew nothing about horses and would’ve just made matters worse. Besides, I was just looking for a bathroom, and then, I would be back in the car.
I pulled the toboggan down even further and continued forward. That’s when I heard Sergei’s voice. It sounded different. It wasn’t cold or fierce, but soft and gentle. Curiosity pulled me forward, and when I reached one of the last stalls, I noticed some movement and stopped to peer inside.
That’s when I saw Sergei crouched low in the straw next to a beautiful chestnut horse. She was lying on her side, and Sergei was stroking her as he whispered, “It’s okay. I’m right here.”
His mother was in the corner, and she looked just as upset as Sergei over the state of the poor animal. Her chest rose and fell in a way that felt labored and weak, but she hadn’t given up yet. She was still fighting, and Sergei was doing everything he could to comfort her. “You’ve always been such a fighter. You don’t have to fight anymore. You can let go.”
The man who’d never shown a moment of weakness was down in the dirt, stroking a sick, pitiful horse like she was the most precious thing in the world. And in that moment, I realized I really didn’t know Sergei at all. I wasn’t sure anyone did. Not really. But I hoped one day I would, because clearly, he was a man worth knowing.
11
SERGEI
"Easy girl.” I ran my hand down Moya’s side. “We’re going to get you better.”
“Her legs are about to give out,” Mom warned.
“Come on, girl.” Moya’s sides heaved as the vet told her, “You’re gonna have to move.”
The calm in his voice didn’t match the urgency in his movements. He was giving her firm pushes and tugs as he guided her out of the stall. Mom stood on the other side with one hand pressed against her neck, and the other stroking through her mane, doing what she could to keep her calm.
“Sergei, push from her flank,” the vet barked.
I followed his command and shoved my shoulder hard against her ribs, and the strain pulled at my spine. She tried to surge forward, but her muscles quivered and her hooves shuffled. For a second, I thought she might go down again. Mom pulled on the lead and spoke with determination as she told her, “Come on, Moya. You can do this.”
The poor mare grunted, and her body shook so hard her knees almost gave way. The vet knew we were in trouble and gestured for the door, “We gotta get her to the trailer before she gives out.”
I slipped to her side with one hand braced against her shoulder and the other gripping the rope. Together, Mom and I guided her out of the stall, and her breath became more labored with each step. Every stumble had me tightening my grip and ready to catch an animal that would’ve crushed me if she went down.