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Lucrezia
(Lukrecja)
All the time my mother was quietly listening to everything from her stall. Usually she was very caring and worried about just about anything. This time, however, she didn’t even try to ask for details. At the time, I did not pay any attention to it. Anyway, she didn’t have to ask anything, because Aunt Rhodesia, walking down the stable corridor, was broadcasting live like a radio station.
When Granny Kasia finished polishing me, the gathering unanimously agreed:
– There’s a painted stallion in the house!!
My coat shone elegantly. No knots, mud, sand or straw. And with the “painted” they weren’t exaggerating at all. After all, my tail and mane gleamed with a thousand colors in the sunlight streaming into my stall.
– No more sitting in the stable! We’re going to the meadow for some fresh air – Granny Kasia announced joyfully.
And she led the way. Me right behind her. Then Aunt Rhodesia. A hedgehog was rolling over behind her. Frogs and mice also participated in the procession. At the very end was Pepe (somewhat indistinct and embarrassed).
As we passed the last stall, just by the door, I spotted Lucrezia. She was standing with her back to the corridor, and therefore to me. For a moment I thought she turned her head towards me and batted her long eyelashes. I guess I was just imagining it. Still, my heart started to beat faster. And I ran out of breath.
In the meadow in front of the stable, Granny Kasia set us free.
– Behave yourself! She patted my neck and went back to the stables for the other horses.
The sun was gently stroking my back. A gentle breeze brought the scent of mushrooms from the forest.
– What if Lucrezia was taken for a walk along the narrow forest paths? I would show her the fault of the river. And the Violet Glade, which I discovered by accident during a ride with Granny Kasia … – I went into a dream. “I would take her … But Lucrezia will certainly not agree.”
– Why don’t you try asking? – I heard the familiar, though rarely heard neighing behind me. I turned my head.
– Lucrezia! – I almost choked.
And only then did I realize that I wasn’t talking to myself at all, but was speaking at least as loud as Aunt Rhodesia.
“Are you talking to me, Lucrezia?” I looked back to see if one of my handsome cousins was standing there.
She neighed softly.
– There’s no one else here, silly?! She added and flapped her long lashes, but then she bowed her head shyly. “So what? … Will you try to inviting me for a walk?” She said, breaking her shyness, and lowering her voice.
…