Chapter 8
Lily’s Big Mistake

When Lily got home from the barn that afternoon, she had a surprise waiting for her. Miss Sophie, Dr. Ahmadi, and her parents were sitting in the living room.

“Lily? Come sit down please,” her mom said.

“Okay,” Lily said nervously. I know I’m in trouble, she thought. Time to own up.

“Lily, is there something you want to tell us?” her dad asked. “Something about Willow?”

Lily stopped breathing. “Is there something wrong with Willow?” she asked, panic in her voice. “She seemed fine earlier today!”

“No, sweetie,” her mom said. “We’re wondering if… well… are you still happy with Willow? Or are you trying to tell us you’re ready for a bigger pony?”

“What do you mean?” Lily asked, confused. She would never want to sell Willow. She and Willow were a team! “You seemed upset that Dot was riding Mojo,” Miss Sophie explained. She shook her finger at Lily. “Don’t think I didn’t notice your tricks this week. I don’t tolerate jealousy at the barn, Lily. If you’re feeling like you want to move up, please come talk to me. Don’t take it out on your friends.”

“That wasn’t what I was doing!” Lily said quickly. She looked at Dr. Ahmadi. “I know your secret! I know you’re going to move! You’re going to take Dot away from Starbright Stables, and letting her ride Mojo is going to make it even worse when she finds out!”

Dr. Ahmadi looked confused. “Move?” he asked. “What made you think we were moving?”

“I heard you on the phone!” Lily said. “You said there were big life changes, and that Dot would miss Monster, and…”

Dr. Ahmadi smiled ruefully. “Lily, we’re not moving,” he said. “I’m buying Mojo for Dot.”

Lily’s eyes grew wide. Dot had been asking for her own pony for years. She would be overjoyed. Then Lily covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh no,” she said. Tears flooded her eyes. “I have to make this up to her.”