Endlich Wildwoods

Josh was standing by the paddocks when I returned with Corny.

Josh: “Do you remember Gary? He looks after the wild horses in Wildwoods. I promised to fill in for him this weekend. You’ve always wanted to see Wildwoods — why don’t you come with me?”

Gillian: “Wow, Josh! That would be wonderful. I’ve wanted to go there for so long. Of course I’ll come!”

We left early in the morning and reached Wildwoods a few hours later.

Josh: “So? What do you think? The climate is much milder here.”

Gillian: “It’s beautiful. Everything is so lush and green — and those rocks. I can’t wait to see the wild horses.”

After a while, we reached Gary’s camp. Right in the middle stood a moose, roaming freely.

Gillian: “Oh my God — he has a moose?! Do you think it’s dangerous? What if it attacks or kicks us? Oh no… I didn’t bring my rescue pack!”

Josh: “That’s Gary’s camp. We can sleep in his wagon. For one night, we’ll manage.”

We set out to find the herds. Josh knew Wildwoods well, and before long, we spotted the first one.

Josh: “This is Whinny Valley. These horses belong to the Foresters’ herd. They say the simple things in life mean the most to them.”

Gillian: “They’re probably right. We don’t appreciate the simple things enough. Look at the foals — they’re adorable.”

Soon after, we discovered another herd in a bizarre landscape filled with violet light reflections.

Josh: “That’s Alder, the oldest stallion of the Mystic herd. They’re dreamers — always searching for spiritual enlightenment. It’s getting late, Gillian. We’ll look for the third herd tomorrow.”

Gillian: “He’s beautiful. This place feels mystical too. I understand why they live here. But you’re right — we should head back.”

Back at camp, Josh lit a fire and we sat down.

Josh: “I want to be with you, Gillian. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don’t understand Jamie’s sudden interest in you.”

I took a deep breath.

Gillian: “It wasn’t that sudden. I think I owe you an explanation. When you left for Wyoming, you asked Jamie to help at the ranch…”

I told him everything. How heartbroken I had been after he left. How Jamie couldn’t stand seeing me that way. About the ski weekend meant to cheer me up. About the cave drama — when I thought I might die, and Jamie calmed me. About his father selling the horses. About the riding accident that reminded me how quickly life can end. And about the evening that ended in a kiss — because I loved Jamie… and was afraid of losing him the way I had once lost Josh. That night, we lay in our sleeping bags inside Gary’s wagon.

Josh: “Missy… I wish every evening could end like this. Just you and me — and maybe a more comfortable surface.”

Gillian: “Josh, that would be wonderful. I already don’t know how I’ll even get up tomorrow.”

The next morning, we searched for the third herd. We found them in a barren, rocky landscape.

Josh: “These are the Warriors. They’re called that because they constantly test their strength against each other. They only stay up here in this harsh terrain — it suits them. Most of them have that striped coat pattern. See?”

Gillian: “They’re impressive. And I’m impressed by you, too. You know so much about these herds — their traits, their habitats. I’ve always admired how deeply you dive into things.”

It was time to head back to Meadowland. At one point, Josh stopped and asked me to dismount.

Josh: “Gillian, I’ve longed so much for time alone with you — and it was wonderful. I know you need time to decide, so I have to tell you something. I’m going on tour with Mac. Just for a few weeks. It will give you space to think.”

Tears filled my eyes, but I couldn’t speak. These beautiful days in Wildwoods ended with news I had never expected.