12. Come, Sit Down

Come, Sit Down

"Hey, Snow White," Hadley crooned as she walked through the stables on Monday morning. She brushed her hand along the stalls of the other horses, garnering attention from all, but her eyes were locked on the beauty at the end. The petite horse began to pitter her hooves in growing excitement as Hadley approached her stall. She giggled as she reached her hand up and gave the horse a gentle rub on the neck. "Happy to see you too, Pretty." There was so much Hadley wanted to tell Snow White before she released the herd into the fields. She had fallen easily into the routine of shepherding the horses out of the stable, thoroughly cleaning the stalls, and then wandering about until she found Snow White for a quick ride before sunset. On occasion, she would keep Snow White tied up to the fence while she cleaned so she could start their ride right away instead of searching the field for her. Most often, she let the horse wander around with the others until she was ready.

The last few weeks, she saw Dorothy less. She was proud of how much Dorothy must have trusted her with the maintenance and care of the horses and their home. With time, and much reassurance, Hadley also learned to trust herself and be proud of her work. She figured Dorothy was in the house or over by the cows today since she was on her own in the stables. "Snowy, I know I have to turn you all out to the field, but guess what?" She paused as the horse let out a friendly huff. "Saturday was my birthday, but don't tell Dorothy! I didn't want to tell her and make her feel bad since she was so busy this weekend." Hadley was twirling the horse's silky mane as she spoke. "Anyway, my dad actually remembered. I was shocked. And not only that but he got me a gift. Omigosh, first he gave me this box and it was actually from my mom! Not in a spooky way, just that she had thought all those months ahead and wrapped up my favorite dress of hers. Oh, I would swim in it now, Snowy, but one day I'll look just as beautiful as she always looked. Well, maybe not as beautiful…"

The horse interrupted Hadley's monologue with a gentle snort. It was as if Snow White was disagreeing with her self-doubt. Hadley smiled as she rubbed Snow White's neck in appreciation. "Okay, okay. Anyway, my dad got me a gift. When I opened it, it was this beautiful little white horse made from stone. It looks just like you; it's perfect. I set it in my bedroom so when I look at it, I can think of you." Hadley had a big smile on her face, loving her time with Snow White. She decided to focus on this part of her birthday, reluctant to admit her dad drank himself into another stupor. "Anyway, Snowy, let's get you and the others outside so I can start cleaning." She detangled her fingers from Snow White's mane and reached toward the stable latch. She opened the gate and let the horse walk freely while she progressed around the stable guiding the others out one at a time. Once the barn was empty, she walked to the first stall and got to work.

***

Once the stalls were cleaned, Hadley began her walk into the field, bridle in hand, eager to find Snow White, who was usually over by the large tree midfield, so they could enjoy a belated birthday ride. She spotted the stunner of a horse in the field and headed in her direction. Her steps quickened as she grew excited to tell Snow White about how her mom also loved horses; a fact she forgot to share earlier.

Halfway through the field Hadley paused when she heard Dorothy holler out her name. She pivoted to see Dorothy waving from the front porch of her small rancher. Hadley waved back, uncertain if she should change directions or continue deeper into the field. As if reading her mind, Dorothy called out, "Can you come on over for a few minutes before your ride, dear?" Hadley smiled and nodded her head in agreement, though deep down she was a little disappointed. She was looking forward to her time with Snow White, but shifted directions toward the house so she wouldn't upset Dorothy. She set the bridle down on the small front porch before walking inside.

"Come, come, sit down. I'll grab us some sweet tea and be right over."

Hadley slipped off her shoes near the door and walked to the kitchen table. She settled in and watched Dorothy move from the fridge to the counter. Lately Hadley spent the majority of her time focused on the barn or out in the field, so this was the first quiet moment she had with her in a few weeks. Now that Hadley was really looking, she suddenly felt guilty. Was her back always that hunched? Did she always move that slowly?

"So, um, how have you been? How was your weekend?"

"Well, dear, that's actually why I called you in." Dorothy carried over two glasses of cold sweet tea, handing one off to Hadley before sitting down.

Hadley's stomach immediately tightened. Feeling her anxiety build, she picked up her glass and took a giant gulp of the icy drink. "Oh, um, is everything okay?"

"Yes, dear, I don't mean to worry ya like that." Dorothy waved the air between them. "I just wanted to let'ya know of a change comin' soon on the farm."

"A change?"

"Yes." Dorothy's eyes had a wetness to them, but her soft smile remained. "This weekend I had an old friend of mine come visit. He's much younger than me… probably ‘round your fathers age actually."

Hadley nodded, waiting for the bad news. It was always bad news.

"Anyway, he's also a farmer. His property is two counties over. We came to a deal this weekend where he's gonna buy my cows. Now before you panic, the horses aren't goin' anywhere. I know you don't spend much time with the cows, but I didn't want you to get alarmed seeing random haulers. The cows are startin' to become too much work for me. I think they'll have much fuller lives over with Daniel."

"Oh." Hadley wasn't sure how to react. She was relieved to know the horses are staying but wondered for how long. "Is there anything else I can be doing to help you out?"

"Oh please, Hadley, you're already the rock around here. If it weren't for your hard work and love in the main barn, I mighta had to sell them horses, too. You're the reason they are so content here at this little old lady's farm."

Hadley smiled as she listened.

"I just wanted you to know, dear. You're an important part of this farm so you deserve to know the good and the bad. And hey, this means I won't need to trick ya into milkin' them anymore."

Hadley let out a soft laugh.

"Anyway, you'll see him come and go over the next few weeks and he'll collect the cows with his trailers at the start of fall. Just the cows."

"I understand. I'll miss watching them roam the fields, but I'm really glad the horses can stay. I promise I'll keep taking great care of them and their stalls."

"Oh, I don't doubt that. Speaking of horses, dear, don't you have a date with one of them?" With that, Dorothy collected their glasses and slowly walked them to the sink.

"Is there anything I can help with first? I can do the dishes," Hadley felt uneasy about walking away from Dorothy. She didn't want her to think she was selfish or uncaring.

"I might be old and slow, dear, but I can handle a few dishes. Go on, now. Snow White is probably looking for you." Dorothy smiled and practically shooed her out the door. What Hadley didn't see was after she walked away, Dorothy set the glasses down slowly in the red enameled cast iron sink, dipped her head, and closed her eyes. She allowed herself one moment of pause before she lifted her head back up and started to wash the glasses. A few tears slipped free in the process, a silent tribute to her long life lived despite the changes soon to come.

Meanwhile, outside, Hadley collected Snow White's bridle and walked into the field, deaf to the surrounding nature as her mind spiraled with what ifs. Now that she saw how feeble Dorothy was becoming and knew the cows would be leaving, she worried what the future might hold.

She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she approached Snow White. Meaning to offer her a friendly greeting, she instead let out a breathy sigh as the trapped air finally released from her lungs. She placed a hand on Snow White, resting her head on the horse's side, and collected herself. She softly patted the horse then secured the bridle. Taking a deep breath in, she guided her companion in silence toward the barn where she would attach the saddle and climb on, using her usual straw stack for leverage. Once steadied, they took off into a steady trot. Hadley completely forgot to tell Snow White about how her mom once rode horses, too. Instead, the duo silently navigated the open fields, which allowed the fresh air to surround Hadley, granting her solace.

***

Hadley walked home quietly; head slung low. She walked inside, noticing the living room was empty but Simple Man was playing from the stereo. As she slipped her shoes off in the entryway, she saw her father walking in from the hallway. He swayed against the wall slightly before he walked toward the couch with tunnel vision. The drink in his hand sloshed when he plopped onto the cushion. "Great song, in'it?"

"Yeah. Lynyrd Skynyrd, right?" Hadley took a seat on the chair opposite the couch.

"Yep."

Hadley fiddled with the hem of her shirt, trying to muster some confidence. She could really go for a treat after the news Dorothy had shared. After the amenable birthday she had on Saturday and the calm Sunday that followed, Hadley was hoping her dad's better mood was here to stay, despite the glaze in his eyes. Once the song ended, she decided to go for it. "Do you think we could order pizza?"

Silence.

"With it being my birthday the other day and all, I thought maybe we could order a small pizza to split. As a treat."

"Was Saturday not enough for you?"

"It was great," Hadley replied quickly.

"And now you need pizza on top of that?"

"I just thought it would be fun since we normally just eat the freezer stuff."

"Too high and mighty for a frozen meal? Suddenly you're entitled to make plans with my money?"

So much for finding comfort in a hot slice of pizza. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll go get dinner started for us instead."

Hadley's father nodded dramatically, his neck as functional as a baby's, before settling his head against the back of the couch. His eyes closed and he tapped the fingers on his free hand along to the music that filled the otherwise quiet house.