Down the Rabbit Hole [closed]

[Becca Walsh]

"I'm late
I'm late
For a very important date.
No time to say "Hello."
Goodbye.
I'm late, I'm late, I'm late."
-Alice in Wonderland

Becca could have found the stall with her eyes closed, but today it was much different. Before, it had been labeled with her name under the horse's and she'd have been completely comfortable entering. Rabbit had been her horse for years, and she'd ridden him more than she'd ever ridden Frye, or before she even rode Frye at all. Now, it almost seemed as if she was abandoning him, donating him to the academy and focusing more on Frye. Unfortunately, it was the only option that made sense. Becca was an eventer, and if she wanted to really focus on the discipline, Rabbit wouldn't be helping her, and she wouldn't be helping him. To be honest, he had been becoming a bit of an excuse for her, giving her another option other than Frye. Sure, sometimes she needed a break from Frye, but Rabbit just wasn't good for that. She needed to pay more attention to Frye and her eventing, and if that meant donating Rabbit, then she had to do so. She knew he'd be in good hands, and she'd still be able to see him, so it seemed the best option for both of them.

As soon as the stall him into view, she could see him, with his snowy head poking over the dutch door. Rabbit was friendlier than any horse Becca had ever known. Sighing, she pet his nose when she reached him. She'd miss his affection, especially with Frye's lack thereof. Having a second horse hadn't been the problem, it was just that she didn't need a hunter/jumper like Rabbit. A sad frown set into her expression as she stroked his forelock. Hopefully he'd be assigned to a student soon that he'd have another rider to work with. They would certainly be able to take him farther, as Rabbit did hold a lot of potential.

She didn't enter the stall, as she knew that would just cause her to break down. For whatever reason, she knew that would be the breaking point, and the last thing she wanted to do was walk out of the barn a blubbering mess. Rabbit raised his head when she stopped petting him, lipping at her hair gently. The gesture made a lump grow in Becca's throat, and she pressed her hand against his neck, kissing him on the nose before stepping backwards. She had to keep reminding herself that he was still here, and if she wanted, she could always ask if she could ride him, and take him on a long ride on the trails just as she had back home. Turning, she made her way back towards Frye's stall, feeling quite defeated, but relieved, knowing she'd done the right thing.