User blog:RRabbit42/Sunset, part 6

Sunset epilogue

These days, there are six Arabians scattered about the grounds. The sixth was the last. No others Chose. They are always together, but their homes are in separate valleys that you cannot find unless you know where they are, each marked by a solitary garden with flowers that never wilt and change every week. The type of flowers is unique per garden, reflective of their spirit.

No one noticed when each one appeared. They had simply always been there. Likewise, no one noticed when one of their friends departed. They simply faded. No one noticed when the lessons ceased, nor when they resumed. Trophies were quietly put away, never to be seen again.

The students continue to come and go, and I watch the delight they feel upon meeting the Arabians, the sadness when they leave. We talk about them often, with the recurring themes of compassion, grace, understanding, beauty and love. Each of their stalls in that solitary stable remain empty, yet in constant readiness.

Whenever we have visitors, the Arabians are usually scarce. Occasionally they will reveal themselves to someone special. But for those who cannot see, we do not tell them. It is a sad amusement for me how they do not notice, miss what is obvious. The special ones keep the secret.

I still have my day each week. But I no longer spend it in mourning. Now it’s a day of joy, with dear friends in a form that I do my best to match to their true selves.

It is on the nights I think about when our lives changed that I remember the last thing she said in order to complete becoming. It, too, had held me captive. No longer. Though I sometimes allow myself to be sad when I think about it, I have long since accepted it. And to forgive myself.

When I am alone, I speak the words aloud. When I am not, I repeat them silently to myself. She never fails to recite them with me.


 * “Let me go. Despite what you cannot admit to yourself, I want this. I want to change, become a horse. Let my name fade from their memories. As long as you remember me, I will be happy. But for them, let me fade away. Let there be only....”

It is her alone that completes it and speaks her name.

The names of Pamela, Diane and the other four have faded from everyone’s memory, but not mine. I remember. Though they talk of all the horses, there is one they speak of most fondly, one that commands the deepest love and respect, above all others.

Sunset, the horse with the most human eyes.

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♦ preface ♦ part 1 ♦ part 2 ♦ part 3 ♦ part 4 ♦ part 5 ♦ epilogue ♦