“They don’t bite,” John said. “Just like me, remember? Scary at first, but mostly harmless.”
I snorted at that, but slowly moved forward and took his hand. He tugged me closer to Ghost, lifting my hand to touch her snout. Her coat was soft and shiny, her eyes a deep ebony, and I decided I’d never seen a more beautiful creature anywhere. She turned her head toward me, allowing me to pet her, and I let out the breath I’d been holding.
“Here,” John said, and he produced a dried carrot from his pocket. “Lay your hand out flat.”
I did as he instructed, and Ghost devoured the vegetable in one bite, lapping at my hand with her long, slobbery tongue. I giggled at the way it tickled my palm.
“She likes you,” John said, a smile in his voice.
I beamed. “I like her, too.”
“Ready to ride her home?”
“What?” I squeaked. “From here?”
He nodded. “I’ll help you. Come on.”
He went through the process of reining up and saddling Ghost, narrating for my benefit. Unfortunately, I was too nervous to absorb much as I watched him lead the big beast out the back door and into the paddock.
The paddock was huge, and four other horses wandered in the distance. John fetched a block from inside the stable and placed it next to Ghost, who stood waiting patiently.
“Ready?” he asked, and I gulped.
“No, but I don’t think I’ll ever be,” I replied. “Just show me what to do.”
He took over, helping me up onto the block and then coaxing me into lifting my leg over. After a few seconds’ hesitation, I managed to hoist myself up. I smiled a little, thinking of what my former self, living inside concrete walls, would think if she could see me now.
“Look at that,” John said, smiling too. “You're up on a horse. How do you feel?”
“Good, I think,” I replied, and was surprised that it was true. “What now?”
“Sit up straight,” he said, reaching up to adjust me. “Keep your shoulders back. And make sure that your feet are facing inwards. You want to be hugging the horse with your legs.”
After a few more adjustments and showing me how to hold the reins, he said,
“Okay, I think we're ready to start moving.”
“You sure?” I asked uncertainly. “I don't know what I'm doing.”
John raised an eyebrow. “And sitting here is gonna help you learn?”
“Point taken,” I said with a sigh. “Show me how this thing works, Wastelander.”
He chuckled, then made a clicking noise with his tongue. Ghost started walking slowly forward. I shot him an inquisitive look.
“You can do that to make them walk,” he clarified. “Or squeeze her sides with your legs.”
I nodded, and he continued to instruct me, helping me turn left and right with the reins. After several minutes, I felt confident enough to start turning on my own.
“Good,” John encouraged, watching me. “You’re a natural, sweetheart.”
I flushed with pleasure. I hadn’t been a natural at anything yet in the Wasteland, but this was different. It felt easy, pleasant even, and Ghost was well-trained in picking up on my cues. I breathed in the cool Valley air and felt peace and exhilaration, all at once.
John helped me coax Ghost into a trot, and though I was initially nervous, I soon enjoyed the faster pace. What’s more, he beamed with pride at my progress, which would’ve been enough to get me to mount even the wildest horse. After letting me get used to riding, we headed toward Summerhurst.
John took the reins and led Ghost back into the stable. He put reins on Bella and led her out to the front, letting me follow on Ghost’s back. Once outside, he surprised me by hoisting himself up behind me.
“I’m just here to supervise,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “Turns out you barely even need me.”
