With a skip in her step, Megan headed inside to make breakfast, because Tracy was on bed rest. Nothing kept Colby from lingering in her thoughts. "How is it going? Are they talking? Can they heal the rifts and move forward? Someone, please help them come together."
After breakfast, the kids flocked to Faith, who had promised an exploration involving leaves and flowers. Megan dunked her hands in the warm, soapy water. "Though I'll miss time with the kids today, this gives me a chance to read some case files and clean the tack room."
With inside chores complete and Tracy resting well, Megan headed to the tack room. As she put items in proper places, her gaze traveled to the table and the case files. "Please read us," she heard. "I'll read one and then finish organizing this place." One case turned into many. Each folder offered new insight into why she desired veterinary science. It amazed her how susceptible horses were to common diseases that require immediate attention. If ignored, it could lead to further complications. "Not on my watch," she said with a renewed vigor to be the best pre-vet and vet student around.
After an hour, Megan rolled her shoulders and neck to reduce stiffness. Masculine hands settled on her shoulders and started a massage. Strong, yet gentle hands worked the knots and tightness from the muscles. "How's that?" he asked his hands still massaging her neck and shoulders.
"Better," she said with a relaxed sigh. "Thank you, Colby." Megan turned and saw a bright, shining face. "How did it go with your grandfather?"
"He wasn't home, but I saw my grandmother," he said, his eyes shimmering like stars. "I missed her more than I knew." He grew quiet, as if he were reliving the past.
"Did your visit go well?" she asked.
He paused and then nodded. "It was good. Ever since I have known her, she has been wheel chair bound from polio. It never stopped her from living. She makes jewelry and beaded bags, keeping to her grandmother's memory and those who passed before. Her voice…" Colby paused for a minute. "It sings like a whippoorwill. Even in difficult times my grandmother finds the positive in it."
"Sounds like Gray Cloud."
"They are a true match. That's not to say they agree on everything. But they have the ability to listen and reason with each other."
Megan nodded, wondering if Colby and she had that same connection. Colby continued telling stories about his grandmother and his childhood days. Though Megan had never met Running Doe, the love that surrounded his words led her to believe she had known the woman for years.