Sarah felt like an idiot as she was lifted onto the horse. Her face resting on the warm hair of the horses’ neck, she felt her feet being pushed into the stirrups. Cautiously, she lifted herself and sat upright in the saddle. The horse twitched and pulled underneath her.
‘All yours,’ her father beamed at her with pride.
Two years since the accident. She remembered the pain as her spine and legs were crushed underneath the fallen horse. The months in hospital after waking from her coma. The rehabilitation. Accepting that she would never walk again. The determination that she would ride again.
Her hands rubbed the smooth flank of the horse. She tapped it and felt him respond by stepping forward. A few steps clenching onto the reins, another tap and the horse began to trot. That would be fast enough for today.
The breeze blew in from the sea, the spray gently hit her face. The horse splashed through the tide water on the wet sand.
Sarah smiled. She felt alive again.
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story, in around 150 words based on the weekly photo prompt. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
“So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” -Alfred
Sorry, first thing that came into my head.
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That’s exactly what I was thinking of when I choose the title too, so no need to apologise!
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It is truly an exhilarating activity. Great take.
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Many thanks. Not an activity I’ve done before, but would love to try.
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Wow! Great story Iain! It had to be a difficult thing to get back on a horse when it was a horse that caused you to become paralyzed. Good for her! Great story!
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Thanks PJ, and for using my photo 🙂
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My pleasure, Iain!
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Good feel good story Lain. Told in a very matter of fact manner but one that conveyed the right amount of empathy for the character. As always this was too was a good read.
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Thanks Neel, much appreciated.
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Delightful tale Iain, a triumph over adversity…
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Thanks Michael.
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A heartwarming story.
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Many thanks.
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Wonderful story of her overcoming her fear. It had to be very difficult for her to get back on the horse. It’s also great that her father supported her decision to start riding again. I’m sure that had to be somewhat difficult for him as well. It is so difficult for a parent to see their child suffer and a hard , but necessary decision to have their child try again.
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Many thanks.
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