AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The sick horse, Sunrise, shifted uneasily in his stall, his usually vibrant eyes dull and weary. Sunrise was Chuck’s favorite horse. They had a special bond, and it was obvious that Chuck was very worried about his condition.
Trent’s brow furrowed as he observed the steed.
“His appetite’s been off too,” Chuck commented, shaking his head. “Never seen him like this before.”
“Digestive issues can be tough to pin down,” Trent said, his voice tinged with both frustration and determination. “But I’ll figure it out.”
Chuck nodded. “I know you will, bro. You’re the best in the business.”
Trent donned a pair of gloves and got to work — examining the horse’s hooves, listening to his heart and gut, checking his teeth for any signs of infection or injury, feeling along his neck for any lumps or tenderness that could point to an underlying cause of his strange behavior.
He found nothing.
“Look,” Trent said, “the best practice in a case like this is to give a little time. There’s no obvious issue here, but if things haven’t improved in three days then I’ll escalate.”
“Why not escalate now?” Chuck said, clearly concerned for Sunrise’s health.
“Cost,” Trent said honestly. “I’d have to send off samples to a lab, which is expensive. I don’t have the equipment here to analyze them myself. Obviously, if the horse is really sick then it’d be worth it. But at the moment, it could be any number of benign issues. A mild infection, a change in diet, stress… Look. His gut sounds normal and his heart rate is only slightly elevated. Give him some fluids and rest and keep observing him. If his condition worsens you let me know.”
“Understood.” Chuck nodded, then changed the subject, exhaling deeply. “So… Millie and I have been getting along real well lately.”
“Lately, huh?”
“Yeah.” His brother shifted from foot to foot. “I’ve been thinking... maybe it’s time I popped the question.”
Trent’s gaze remained fixed on Sunrise, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “That’s great, Chuck. She’s good for you. You two are a perfect match. Been inseparable ever since you first got together.”
Early on in the relationship, Trent had been very much involved. Heck, he’d been the one who’d drawn up their DDlg contract. Recently though, it felt like he wasn’t involved in anyone’s life but his own. That was for the better, most likely.
“Thanks, Trent. I just hope she feels the same way.”
“Now is there anything else I can help you with?” He was being cold, he knew it. He should be effusive, congratulating Chuck, even offering to be his best man. But for some reason, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Chuck didn’t look too hurt, though. He was probably used to Trent’s detached attitude by now.
“Got a busy day?”
“I’m seeing Patti soon.”
A raised eyebrow from Chuck. “Oh?” His tone was casual, but Trent knew exactly what was going through his brother’s mind.
“Something about a sluggish hamster,” Trent offered.
“Sluggish hamster?” Chuck asked, smirking slightly. Then, changing tone, “You sure got it bad for her, don’t you?”
“Keep your voice down, Chuck,” Trent hissed, embarrassed and annoyed. But deep down, he knew Chuck was right. Patti had a way of making him feel things he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Sorry!” his brother said, amused, raising his hands.
“Someone might hear.”
Then, a female voice surprised them. “Hear what?”
Holy shit. Patti.
She stood in the doorway, holding a small carry-cage. Lulu was in the cage, hunched in the corner.
“Nothing!” Trent said, turning and scratching his forehead. “Chuck was just…”
