We can drive home
with one headlight
The way to the Gates should have been a time of adventure and discovery for me but instead it’s a blur thanks to the increasing hunger pains in my stomach. I’m starving, so tired. I stumble most of the way there and fall into Fiasko’s body for support. Suddenly I can feel the coolness of shade on my back and I look up timidly at the huge tree. And it is huge, pretty much the biggest thing I’ve ever seen. My Mother nudges me softly, asking if I’m ok. ”It’s so big…” I whisper, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by how small I was compared to all these huge things.
I’m distracted by the arrival of another girl. A girl who is my sister. A sister, a sibling. I hadn’t even had a chance to consider such a thing, to have such family. Immediately I am excited and stumble towards this big sister of mine. ”Sidra!” I exclaim and nuzzle into her chest just as I had done when I had found Mother again. ”My big sister.” I giggle softly before collapsing on the ground, my vision doing doubles. That’s weird. Actually now that I lay here, I realize I don’t feel so good.
Even though I feel sick, I can’t miss the mare and her two foals coming towards us. She seems nice but I don’t understand why everyone keeps looking at me weird. Hesitant pointed looks directed between me and my Mom. The only thing I can think of is my smallness, that I’m not normal. Maybe I’m a freak and they don’t want to be rude. A loud rumble comes from deep within my belly followed by a sharp stabbing pain and I wince unhappily. Trying to find my feet again I ask the new mare quietly. ”Are you Mommy’s friend that can feed me?” Desperately I hope it is as I totter close to her side, unable to stop myself in the hopes that she will have milk.