A Sunrise to Share

She leans on the table, and a sigh escapes her lips. The sounds of the morning waking slip thru the open window. The sun’s first rays seek her out, warming her skin. She can hear water splashing over the rocks in the stream as it winds its way past her yard. Birds sing out, in search of their mates. Bosco, her cat, lazily watches as a pair of butterflies dance above his head. She should be happy. But she feels there should be more, that there is something missing.

She has done well for herself. Not rich by any means, but a comfortable life. Her house, her sanctuary, has the welcoming feel of a home. She has a job that is demanding, but rewarding. It all pales in comparison to her pride and joy, her son. A moment of sweet nostalgia settles over her as she remembers the little boy, and thinks of the young man he is now, ready to go out and conquer the world.

How different from where she was all those years ago. She shutters, thinking back on that dark time in her life. She thought she would be married for the rest of her life, not widowed with a son to bring up alone. Having to face her husband’s secret betrayals, his lies. His death was painful enough, but to find he was living another life in which his wife and son did not exist. To have his mistress and their child show up at his funeral was almost her undoing. All the old self-doubts swirl around her, threatening to escape from where she locked them away. She realizes that even though she had loved her husband, there was still a little part of her that was empty.

Angela gives herself a shake, and throwing off the sadness, she finishes her coffee, grabs a carrot and heads down to the barn. She is greeted by Blue, dancing in anticipation. He knows it is time to run. His excitement is infectious as she leads him out of the stall.

“Come on boy, let’s go for a ride.” He follows her to the gate and waits, stomping his huge hoof, a not so subtle hint that he is waiting. “Now you just give me a second, you know the drill.”

Her voice sooths him, and he walks over to the stone for her. She laughs and shakes her head, admiring her horse with his strong, clean lines, with muscles rippling beneath a black coat that shines like satin in the sun. Large for his six years, he stands at seventeen and a half hands of majesty and pride. The scar on his knee is the only sign left that he came to her abused and beaten. Still amazed at what a little love and patience could do, she locks the gate and takes the carrot out of her pocket.

“You are so spoiled. You should be ashamed of yourself.” she tells him as he happily munches his morning treat, nodding his head as if in agreement. She steps onto the stone and slides on his bare back. Even after three years, he still will not tolerate anything strapped to his back, but that is fine with her. A gentle pressure from her heel and they head out. “Let’s try the lake today.” As if understanding, he crosses over the stone drive to the field. “Okay, let’s go play!”