Chapter 4 A DAY OF PROMISE AND FAREWELL

The news of Bryan's return from his trip was like the first warmth I had after a long time. That morning, I found it hard to contain the feeling of excitement and anxiety I felt. I watched as he stepped out of his car with a smile of relief. His eyes twinkled with the satisfaction of being back.

"Good morning, Miss. Tessy". He said as he extended his hands towards me for a handshake.

"Good morning to you, Mr. Bryan; we have been waiting for your return," I replied as I confidently shook his hands. His palm was soft and warm.

He smiled at me as his gaze lingered on me, I felt like the whole world was shifting around me.

After a brief moment of reunion and catching up with the staff, Bryan joined me at the stables. We will begin our training today with Lola in the arena.

We began with the basics; I taught Bryan how to approach Lola and speak to her softly to reassure her. I taught him that the deepest connection with a horse began with its trust in you. As we worked and practiced together, I could see that Bryan was an eager and fast learner, which made my work less cumbersome. I saw how his eyes flickered with excitement when Lola let him stroke her mane. Lola seemed to like him, sensing that he had a pure spirit.

"What would you like to name her?" I asked.

"I think Lola is fine; I would keep the name." He said, still stroking her silky mane.

His sentiment made me smile. "It is a fine name, and I am grateful you are keeping it"."Hours went by slowly as we practiced, riding side by side. Bryan learned to give clear commands with each turn and gallop without losing a kind connection with Lola. I was proud of him. I now sensed a different side of him; a businessman with a life of luxury who treasured simplicity.

When we finished our training for the day, our eyes met and I sensed that he also felt something stronger and deeper materializing between us. That evening, Bryan requested I join him for dinner, his invite promised an intimate knowledge of his true self.

As we sat at the table set under the evening sky, we talked for hours unending. We talked about our past and our dreams for the future.

"I have always believed that the sincerest connections are birthed out of simplicity". Bryan said as he took a bite out of his meal. "I grew up not having much, but I was blessed with love, friendship, and a simple life. Tessy, I have missed that a lot".

I nodded with understanding. "The weight of the world can suffocate us, but being with you makes me breathe freely". I said as we locked glances.

Our conversation went from our everyday lives to our more serious moments. He talked about the pressures he faced from his family to pressures from business deals and the loneliness that came with a privileged life. I talked about my silent struggles in maintaining the legacy of my family as the eldest daughter and the hopes I had for something more. I also talked about my childhood, with my younger sister, Mira. I emphasized our childhood adventures and how we used to climb the ancient hills of Queens City before civilization took over the settings. Bryan paid rapt attention with interest as I talked about my parents. Our exchange of information made me understand that we were more alike than I thought.

A feeling of closeness between us materialized as the night grew deeper. It seemed like a promise of a future. It was as if time stood still and we were in a space between now and our future.

When we were done, he walked me back to my quarters and bade me farewell. I watched him from my window as he lingered in the garden before he went in.

The next morning was bright and promising. Bryan and I rode once more. The air carried the fresh scent of dew. We rode at a different pace, and we talked and laughed this time. It was a simple moment I cherished because I shared it with Bryan.

But fate had planned something else. As we took a bend on a curved path, something happened. In a moment of distraction and uncalculated move, Bryan's horse lost balance and stumbled to the ground. I watched with eyes wide open as Bryan fell hard from his horse.

I got down from my horse and hurried to where he lay, "Are you alright!?" I shouted in panic. I could read the pain from his expression. He tried to get up but the injury was fatal. I quickly reached for my phone and requested help as I trembled. Time moved painfully slowly as we awaited the ambulance.

When the ambulance arrived, Bryan breathed slowly and gripped my hands; his grip was weak, and he managed to smile.

"I am sorry, Tessy". He said in a low voice.

I did not know why he was apologizing but I guessed he was apologizing for ruining a perfect day for me. I held on tightly to his hands as tears filled my eyes.

"You do not have to be sorry". I said in a shaky voice. "Hold on, please".

The lights and sound of the ambulance overwhelmed the morning stillness at the arena. I helplessly watched as paramedics carried Bryan onto a stretcher and into the ambulance. Reality weighed me down. I feared our beautiful connection would melt away with this incident. I stood watching the ambulance drive away.

My mind replayed every memory from our training session to our heart-to-heart dinner, and now, this unfortunate incident has destroyed our joy.

I realized how swiftly life could change. I said a silent prayer for him as I watched the ambulance disappear. I prayed we cross paths again despite this painful goodbye.