Treasure’s in the Rain

Jet closed his eyes and sighed contentedly. He listened as the rain steadily pattered on the roof. Some of it dripped off the edge of the metal sheeting above and onto his nose. Wrinkling his nostrils, he shuffled back a few inches. He licked and chewed when he felt no more of the offending drops on his soft nose.

   Thunder cracked overhead. It was fairly close, but Jet was unconcerned. He was safe in the shed. He didn’t feel hail in the air either; otherwise he would have been more anxious. The icy precipitation was far too loud under cover. True, it was better than standing out unprotected and being pummeled by the small projectiles, but he much preferred the soothing sounds of the rain.

   Lightning flashed, and more thunder rumbled. However, a new sound joined the thunder, this one higher pitched. Jet’s eyes flashed open, and his ears stood at alert. Again, a sharp whinny pierced the air, jerking the older gelding from his reverie.

   The whinny was familiar, and his heart quickened at the sound. It belonged to his little friend who was still somewhere out in the rain. Jet poked his head out the mouth of the shed, ignoring the rain and searching for his friend.

   Treasure was easy to spot, as his golden coat stood out from the green grass and brown metal fencing. The little mini was racing around a section of the corral. In his panic, he had forgotten how to maneuver through the maze of fencing back to the shelter where Jet stood. Treasure ran in circles, screaming in alarm. His coat was becoming darker with moisture, and with each lap more mud adhered to his hair.

   Stretching out his neck, Jet called to his friend, hoping his comforting voice would guide his friend back. Treasure didn’t seem to hear, as he kept running and frantically calling out. Sighing, Jet tucked his head and trotted out of the shed. He stifled a shiver and tucked his ears back against the strengthening precipitation. More thunder rumbled, and he picked up an easy lope.

   Jet’s past career as a cow horse served him well; he navigated the familiar sharp turns of the corrals with ease. He soon reached his friend and stooped his great neck to snuffle his friend’s nose. Treasure was quivering now, though he had quieted down now that Jet was standing beside him.

   Then with a shake of his head, Jet spun and started running back to the shed. His eyes narrowed at the dampness of his hair, and he picked up the pace. He could hear Treasure’s small footfalls hurrying just behind him. They were soon back at the shed, and Jet ducked inside. He spun to face outward, then shook to dry himself.

   Treasure came to a stop beside him, his breath still hurried. He smacked his lips anxiously, then followed in Jet’s suit, shaking away the excess water. Thunder cracked once more, but Treasure no longer feared it. He simply scooted closer to his tall friend. Treasure’s head only came up to Jet’s chest, and the little mini felt safer in the tall grullo’s presence. Treasure sighed and closed his eyes.

   Casting a sideways glance at the little mini, Jet also heaved a sigh. More rain dripped on his nose, and he scooted back again. Closing his eyes, he dozed as he listened to the steady rain tapping on the metal roof overhead.