Keiko’s Pony Rescue
The Naturals
After the girls are done collecting the eggs, they wait on the porch while Aunt Yumi puts the eggs away. When she’s done, she comes out and tells the girls they did a nice job; they didn’t break any eggs. And they finished so quickly.
Sofia replies with a shrug: they’re naturals! Aunt Yumi chuckles. Now it’s time to go visit Marigold. She holds up a sack filled with carrots cut into small pieces.
The four girls follow Aunt Yumi down the long road and past the pond until they arrive at Grace’s farm and head straight for the stables. In the first stall they see a beautiful pony with a shiny chestnut coat and big, dark eyes. She nickers and swishes her tail. Aunt Yumi steps forward and points to a note tacked to the front of Marigold’s stall. It’s instructions from Grace. Madison, who’s working hard to improve her reading, steps forward to read it for the group.
- Marigold likes to be brushed every day and go for walks around the paddock. Light exercise is good for her and for the baby.
- Healthy snacks are okay, but don’t overdo it.
- Make sure she has enough hay to eat and plenty of water.
- Most important, give her lots of love and attention.
Sofia says it sounds easy. Maybe she should ask her parents for a pony instead of a dog! Keiko giggles. Sofia doesn’t really have room at her house for a pony. Jasmine turns to Aunt Yumi. What happens if the baby comes before Grace and her husband get back. Aunt Yumi looks closer at the note, and says Grace left a phone number for a veterinarian just in case. In the meantime, the girls should ensure Marigold is comfortable with them and won’t be too overprotective of the foal.
Keiko pulls a carrot from her bag and slowly approaches Marigold. Marigold sniffs Keiko with her long muzzle, and then gently takes the carrot from her palm. Keiko beams, and affectionately nuzzles her velvety nose. Keiko has a new friend!
When they return to Cherry Blossom Farm, Madison says that Keiko still has some time to draw. Keiko’s stomach twists. Meeting Marigold distracted her from the contest, but drawing is the last thing she wants to do. But Aunt Yumi says it’s a wonderful idea, and the pond has wonderful light at that time of day.
Jasmine says that’s a great idea. The others can all swim while Keiko draws. After all, Keiko said she wanted to draw every day. Keiko looks down at her shoes, unsure what to say. She knows she should just tell her friends about the contest, but she can’t seem to get the words out. So instead, she just says it’s too hot and sticky to draw. She’d rather swim.
Sofia enthusiastically agrees, and the girls change into their bathing suits and let Aunt Yumi show them the pond. They swim and splash until dinnertime, and nobody mentions drawing or the art contest again. Keiko had fun, but she can’t shake the sinking feeling in her stomach. Sooner or later, she’ll have to tell them the truth.