Der Neue und der Alte

Someone had parked their car and horse trailer right in the middle of the yard.

Gillian: “Wesley! Which genius parked their trailer here?”

No one was in sight.

Gillian: “There’s not even anyone inside. Unbelievable — it’s blocking everything!”

A man stepped out from behind the car.

Man: “I guess that genius would be me. Sorry, ma’am. I’m just unloading, then I’ll move it.”

As he came closer, I recognized the bearded guy. It was Jamie Springflower.

Gillian: “Jamie! It’s you. I almost didn’t recognize you. What are you doing here? And what are you unloading?”

Jamie: “He didn’t tell you, did he? Josh asked me to help you out while he’s gone. And I’m unloading Epico — my horse.”

No, Josh hadn’t told me anything. I was surprised. Jamie and Josh had arranged that Jamie could stay in Josh’s room above the stable and help out at the ranch during the day. Jamie had taken a break from competitive show jumping — the pressure to succeed had become too much. With his full beard, he now looked like an outlaw and seemed unsure about his direction in life. So maybe this was perfect timing — a win-win situation. I was truly grateful to Josh. Jamie had changed. Not just his appearance — his whole demeanor. He used to be insecure under the weight of family expectations. They wanted a champion, but it just hadn’t been enough. Now he seemed calmer. Grounded. Confident.

Jamie: “My father isn’t exactly thrilled about my decision. I’ve been traveling a lot these past months. I found Epico in Spain — and I knew right away he was my horse.”

Gillian: “Andalusians make excellent working horses. If you want to train him for ranch work, you’ve come to the right place.”

When I returned to the house, I ran into Derek the mailman.

Gillian: “Hi Derek, did you finally get a winter uniform?”

Derek: “Hello Gillian. Mail’s under the cat on the table.”

On the table was a postcard reading: Greetings from Wyoming.

Gillian: “Yippie! A card from Josh!”

Postcard: “Hello colleagues and Gillian. Wyoming is great. I’m out every day meeting old friends. No news about my dad yet. Hope the old man recovers. Josh.” What?! He leaves in an emotional rush because his father is supposedly in bad shape. I stay behind, worrying… and he’s meeting up with old friends? Not a word about what actually happened. Not a word to me. Hello colleagues and Gillian. It couldn’t have been more impersonal. Maybe it was a good thing we never had “the talk.” I would have made a complete fool of myself. Angrily, I went to the stable. In one of the stalls stood Pearl Hart — Josh’s horse. She, too, had been left behind.

Gillian: “Pearl, my girl… you probably don’t understand any of this either. It may take a while, but Josh will come back… back to you.”

Sad, I saddled Field. I needed a ride. I needed to cry it all out. But Jamie stopped me.

Jamie: “What’s wrong with you, Gillian? You barely speak, you stare into space all day — and now you’re crying. Did something happen? Or did I do something wrong? You can tell me.”

Gillian: “Oh, I don’t know, Jamie. Maybe it’s just that my parents left so quickly. I’m just… sensitive right now.”

That evening, I watched Jamie training with Epico in the arena. Jamie rode straight toward me.

Jamie: “I’ve been thinking. You need a break. We’re driving to my parents’ cabin this weekend. The others are fine with it. Bring your skis and warm clothes. We leave tomorrow at 8 a.m.”

Gillian: “But… oh, whatever. We leave at 8.”

Maybe a change of scenery was exactly what I needed.