Jess looked up at the night sky so full of stars. The cold, crisp air bit at his face as he headed to the barn. Starshine was due to foal anytime. After observing her all day, her restlessness and pacing made the decision for him. Leading Starshine into the stall tonight, Jess tried to remain calm. Horses sensed feelings and he didn’t want to agitate her mood. This colt would be a solid step into his horse breeding future.
Entering the barn, Jess walked between the stalls in the dim lights he’d left burning. The other horses in the stalls munched hay quietly. As he stopped at Starshine’s stall, Jess took a deep breath. Unhooking the catch and sliding the bar back, he opened the door stepping in quietly. Starshine stood at the back corner. Seeing Jess, her head went up proudly as she stepped toward him. Reaching up, Jess stroked her long slender face.
Hearing something else behind Starshine, he moved slowly down her side and saw the wobbly long-legged colt. A wondrous smile spread across his face as Jess reached out to touch his future. Starshine’s Promise stretched a beautiful nose up to sniff the new master.
Dawn Compton, from Bellville, TX, writes that, "Living in Texas on a ranch is my best motivation to write. My family is kept busy with many animals that my son shows at all the major state livestock shows. Since I do the hauling and deadtime before the shows, my favorite place to people watch for inspiration is at the stalls. Two of my children's books have been published and I am working on the third as well as an adult novel that has been knocking around in my head for several years. Inspiration is everywhere, we just have to slow down and see it."
© 2008 Dawn Compton. Original for CCF. (Compton grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).
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