Dunkle Ängste

Rowan was training with Ghost in the arena that day.

Rowan: “Alright, buddy, let’s see how you’re feeling today. We’ll take it easy.”

Ghost seemed calm. Maybe a little too calm — and distracted. He handled the first jumps well, though Rowan had to correct him several times in between. Then came a vertical fence. The stride didn’t quite fit. On landing, Ghost stumbled and buckled in the front. Rowan hadn’t expected it. He fell hard. Ghost lost balance as well and collapsed to the side — for a terrifying moment, he lay on top of Rowan before scrambling back to his feet. Rowan was unconscious. A helicopter transported him to the hospital in Jorvik City. When Claire heard, she immediately left with Jamie.

Claire: “It must be serious if they took him by rescue helicopter. I’m so scared.”

Jamie: “I’m worried too. They usually send the helicopter for riding accidents. But it sounds like it was bad. The vet said Ghost is probably okay.”

Rowan lay in a hospital bed, drifting in and out of sleep under strong pain medication. He had regained consciousness only at the hospital. The doctors diagnosed a severe concussion, heavy bruising, and a broken right arm. Thankfully, there were no spinal injuries. He would remain under observation for now. Claire and Jamie felt a huge wave of relief. They informed Claire’s parents. Rowan wasn’t only a close family friend — he also competed for the Jarla Equestrian squad.

Jamie: “That’s the current situation.”

Mr. Riverton: “Poor boy. I hope he recovers fully.”

Mrs. Riverton: “Well, then Claire will have to fill in for Rowan until he’s back.”

Claire: “Mom! How can you think about that right now? Rowan is seriously injured. No one is replacing him!”

Claire had brought Ghost back to Meadowland. The fall had left its mark on him too — he showed signs of insecurity. Rowan was eventually discharged and physically improving. But his biggest problem wasn’t his body. It was fear. Fear of getting back on a horse. Fear of falling again. Fear that next time, it might end worse.

Claire: “What’s going on with you? Try to be happy. In a few weeks, you’ll be back on course.”

Rowan: “I don’t think so. Claire… something changed in me. What if the next fall is worse? What if that’s the end? I’m scared. I don’t know if I’ll ever ride again.”

Claire was shaken by his words and immediately talked to Jamie.

Claire: “Jamie, he doesn’t just want to quit jumping — he wants to give up riding completely. He’s so afraid something might happen again. He’s giving up what he loves most.”

Jamie: “Rowan without horses… that’s not a life for him. I’ll call him and ask him to come by. Maybe he just needs time. He’ll realize how much he misses it.”

Jamie called, and Rowan came over. He told Jamie about his fears and his decision to quit riding. Jamie listened — but before he could respond, Julie walked in with a request.

Julie: “Hi Rowan, glad you’re feeling better. Jamie, did you have time to help me look for a jumping saddle?”

Jamie: “Sorry, Julie. I’m swamped right now.”

Rowan: “I could help you look. I could use the distraction anyway.”

Since Jamie had no time, Rowan offered to assist her. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea — at least he’d still be connected to the sport, even if only passively. Later, Claire noticed Rowan’s car parked at Meadowland.

Claire: “Do you want to grab a drink together?”

Rowan: “Sorry, Claire. I already have plans.”

Just then, Julie called impatiently from beside Rowan’s car.

Julie: “Hey Rowan, are you coming?”

Wow. Julie and Rowan had a date?!