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Takis let out a long laugh. “That’s a fantastic question, Millie. When I lived in New York, I was very involved in the fortunes of an age play club called the Brooklyn Big Baby Bunch.”
Millie had actually heard of the Baby Bunch before. Her best friend, Zara, was a lifelong Little, after all. It meant that Millie had spent quite a while trying to understand what exactly went into the Little identity and lifestyle. The Brooklyn Big Baby Bunch had a ton of safety and general advisory information on their website.
“While I was there, I saw lots of vulnerable Little women and men, as well as a bunch of very stressed-out Bigs. I myself was stressed out, too. Tired of city living, tired of the endless rat race.”
Millie’s main experience of cities was London. She didn’t spend so much time there, but she could empathize. She’d always been more of a country mouse.
“I wanted to set up a place like the Baby Bunch, but in the country. Somewhere that members of the community could come to connect with nature, to plug into something deep and primal that the city just can’t offer.” He considered for a moment. “Plus, I wanted to do something for Bunny. She’s an animal lover and wanted to provide a sanctuary for hurt, exhausted livestock. A place where ex-dairy cows and workhorses can live out the rest of their days in peace.”
“It’s a lovely idea,” Millie said.
“A sanctuary for all living beings,” Takis said, breathing the air in deeply. His striking features softened, just for a moment. Then, as he exhaled, he said, “And, if we run it right, a chance to cover our costs. Which is where you come in.”
“Me?”
“You’re a crucial part of the team, Millie. You’ll be working with Littles and Bigs to teach them to ride our horses — your experience is crucial.”
Ah. Yes. There was the problem. The tiny issue that she hadn’t divulged to Takis or Master Derek.
“Riding horses,” she said nervously. “That sounds nice.”
“I’ve seen footage of you,” Takis admitted, “when you were a junior rider. In the National Dressage Championships.”
For a moment, it felt as though the blood was draining away from Millie’s face.
He’d seen the video.
“You saw me fall?”
Takis looked her in the eye. “I saw you get back up again.”
It was true. She had got up again. But the pain in her leg had been too much. That single moment of over-confidence had cost her so much. But it was nothing compared to what happened to her horse.
Poor Wizard.
He’d been the best, most loyal horse in the world. And his promising life had been cut short that day.
Even now, so many years later, the pain felt as raw as the day it had happened.
“I didn’t stay up for long,” Millie said, holding back the tears.
“Well, consider this place a new start. A chance to start something special. We believe in you, Millie.”
Well, I can’t wait to let you down.
Takis continued, “Now, let’s go meet your new boss.”
The two of them headed back across the central courtyard, past a twisty old tree that Takis pointed out. “That’s the Grandfather,” he said. “Very old. Very kind.”
“Kind?”
“That’s what Chuck told me. He takes some getting used to. Has some rough edges.” Then he leaned in a little. “He’s also a little… different. Believes in spirits.”
“Ghosts?” Millie said, looking a little scared.
“No, no. Like, nature spirits. The spirits of horses. Souls of trees. I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it.”
She didn’t quite know how she felt about that. Still, so long as Chuck wasn’t her Dad in disguise, she figured she’d be alright.
