Keiko’s Pony Rescue
Cherry Blossom Farm
Three weeks later, the four girls squish themselves into Keiko’s parents’ minivan for the two hour drive to the farm. Keiko’s mother says there’ll be a pond to swim in. That’s why her sister chose that farm—she loves the water. Keiko giggles. It’s good to see her friends so excited to visit the farm, but nobody is more excited than her. Not only does she get to see her aunt and uncle and the animals, but she’ll get to spend time drawing and painting. She’s going to sketch every day. That way, if she wins, she will have even more sketches to add to the exhibition.
Jasmine reminds Keiko that it’s not if she wins, but when she wins.
Before they know it, the minivan is turning onto a long dirt road and passing under an arch that reads CHERRY BLOSSOM FARM. There’s a lovely flower on the sign, which Keiko knows was designed by her aunt. On one side of the road, cows and goats graze lazily in the sun. On the other side, the girls see a bright red barn with bales of hay stacked inside. And in front of them is a large yellow farmhouse with a wide wraparound porch and pots of pink flowers. On the porch is a cat licking her paws and grooming herself. It’s the perfect scene.
When they step out of the car, they see Aunt Yumi and Uncle Henry. Aunt Yumi is wearing faded jeans, a light blue t-shirt, and muddy boots. Another, slightly older woman, is standing next to them. Keiko runs to the steps and gives her aunt a big hug. Her uncle steps back, and exclaims how tall she’s gotten.
Keiko introduces Sofia, Madison, and Jasmine as her best friends. Aunt Yumi introduces her friend Grace, who owns the farm on the other side of the pond with her husband, Paul. Grace says she just came by to say hello.
Sofia points down at their feet to the cat who was sniffing and rubbing her head against their legs. Apparently the cat came by to say hello, too. Aunt Yumi says the cat’s name is Sakura, which is Japanese for “cherry blossom.” She always comes out to meet visitors.
Madison reaches down to pet the cat, who has an orange spot over one eye and a black patch covering her back. Grace chuckles, and says she should be getting back to Marigold, her pony. She’s expecting a foal soon. Jasmine squeals. She’s never seen a newborn foal. Keiko, Madison, and Sofia all respond “me neither” at the same time, which leads to the four girls giggling together.
Grace says they may all have their chance soon, so they should come by her farm to meet Marigold.
Just a while ago, Keiko would’ve been afraid to meet a pony or horse up close. They’re so big, and Keiko used to be afraid of even small dogs. But thanks to the time she’d spent at the animal shelter, Keiko now knows sometimes the largest animals have the biggest hearts. She’s looking forward to meeting Marigold. Maybe she can even draw the pony and add the piece to her exhibit. If she wins the art contest, of course.
After dinner and a tour, Keiko’s parents say their goodbyes and head home. Aunt Yumi brings the four girls to a large upstairs room where they have bunk beds set up. Keiko opens the window so she can hear the moo of the cows and the smell of the dewy grass in the field. Aunt Yumi says they need to get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow, they’ll all be real members of the farm, which means waking up early to help with chores.
But the girls are too excited to go to sleep right away. Keiko chooses the bed closest to the window, then she pulls out her sketchpad and starts drawing a picture of the barn. Jasmine flops down on the top bunk and leans over to see Keiko’s drawing. Madison and Sofia say they’ll all come see the exhibit. Suddenly, Keiko feels nervous butterflies in her stomach. She wishes her friends would stop talking about the contest. It makes it harder to not know the results yet.
Keiko closes her sketchbook on the half-finished drawing and crawls under the covers. They should get to sleep. Keiko hopes her friends are right about the contest, but if they’re wrong, Keiko knows she won’t be the only one disappointed.