They thought I wouldn’t notice. That old age and shaking hands had dulled me. But I knew—it was my birthday. I used to ride horses every year until my health said otherwise. Thirty-two years without one. I thought those days were gone forever.

Until today.

They took me in silence, smiled, and said, “You’ll like it, Mara.” Then I heard it—the sound of hooves. They brought me to a stable, let me meet Willow, a sweet chestnut mare. I laughed like a child again.

But then—I saw him. Liam Harper. My first love, my riding partner, the boy who left after high school chasing rodeo dreams. My granddaughter had called him.

We walked. Talked. He introduced me to Midnight, his best horse, and then he said it: “I want to start over. Be friends again. Or more.”

I hesitated, heart full of old hurt. But then I remembered: forgiveness is also strength.

So I said yes.

We spent the day laughing, remembering, and beginning something new.

Lesson? It’s never too late to find joy again. Whether it’s a horse, a lost friend, or the wind in your hair—it’s all waiting to be rediscovered. 💛