Page 11 of Anton

“I’ve got you, Cider.”

I press my cheek to hers and sigh. This is home, right here.

I kiss the soft part of her face, then reach for the ice boot. “I’m going to wrap this around your leg, okay? It won’t hurt. It’s just cold.”

When she stays relaxed, I carefully drape it around her leg, taking my time. Once the Velcro is secure, I step back and give her a second before doing the other one. But just as I reach for it, she lets out a small whinny and stomps.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I stroke her neck.

When she presses her face into me, I hear a noise behind me. I turn and find Charlie, one of our ranch hands, standing just inside the stall, hanging back.

“Hey. I didn’t hear you.”

He rocks back on his heels. “Sorry, Miss Thora. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay.” I glance back at Cider as she tosses her head again, her back leg twitching under the strain. “Actually…you can help me if you want.”

He’s only been here four months, and I know he could use the practice.

His eyes lift in surprise, like he didn’t expect that. “Yeah. Of course.”

“Come on in. Just stay near her shoulder and don’t startle her with sudden movements.”

He nods a little too quickly and edges forward, every movement stiff with uncertainty.

“Hey, girl.” He gradually reaches for her.

Cider pins her ears, every muscle coiling as she tosses her head and stomps a warning hoof. Charlie freezes.

“I…uh…” His arm drops to his side.

“Don’t take it personally.” I settle my palm against Cider’s neck and thread my fingers through her mane. “She’s hurting.”

He gives a nod, looking almost defeated. “I get it.”

Leaning close, I murmur to her until the tension gradually eases from her body. “Easy, girl. I know. We’re only trying to help you.”

Her breathing calms, and she nudges her nose into my palm.

“She tore ligaments in both hind legs, so we need to keep them cold as much as possible. I already took care of this one.” I tap the wrapped leg. “I need you to do the other.”

His brows rise. “Me?”

“You’ll be fine.” I reach for the second ice boot and give it to him. “Just like this. Wrap it snug, not tight, and don’t rush her.”

He takes it, practically vibrating with nerves. Cider grows restless again when he moves behind her, her tail swishing and one hoof striking the ground.

I step closer to her head, pressing my palm to her cheek to get her to relax. “Hey…stay with me. You’re okay, girl.”

Charlie crouches, his movements more thoughtful now as he starts to pay attention to every reaction in her body.

“Like this?” He starts to wrap it.

“Yeah. That’s good. Just keep it even.”

She flinches once, and he goes still for half a second before he continues. When he finishes, he presses down the Velcro and straightens, brushing his palms against his jeans.

“Did I do good?”