THE WEEK PASSED IN A BLUR. I’D SLEPT ALL day Monday, proving the point that I did need the rest. When Khloe had gotten back from riding, I’d woken up feeling better.
Really, really better.
Khloe had filled me in about her exercise with Whisper, and the mare had behaved like a pro. Even though I’d still felt upset about not riding, I was grateful that Whisper got a workout with my friend.
I’d felt strong enough to go to the dining hall that night and have dinner. The walk to the caf, though, had exhausted me, and I’d fallen asleep moments after we came back to our room.
Christina decided I could try a half day of classes on Tuesday if I truly wanted to go. I’d gone and turned in my makeup work. It had felt great to see my friends—especially Lexa and Clare, who’d been BBMing me the entire time I was sick. I e-mailed Mr. Conner to tell him how I was feeling, and he wrote back that I could groom Whisper, but no riding until Wednesday. For a second, I’d started to compose an e-mail begging him to let me ride. Then I deleted the words I’d written and instead thanked him and said I couldn’t wait to be back in the stable. My anger at not being allowed to ride melted away at that moment. Mr. Conner had gotten Whisper and me this far. It was only fair that I trust him in return.
Wednesday was when I’d really lost track of time. I rushed through school on Wednesday and Thursday to get to the stable. Both lessons had been tough, but Whisper hadn’t given me any problems. She acted as if she’d encountered the trail-class obstacles a dozen times before when I’d ridden her through the course. I’d been too tired to even pay attention to Riley.
Dressage had been nearly as flawless. Thanks to workouts from Mike, Doug, and Khloe, Whisper acted as if no time had been lost. When I’d finally come up for air, it was Friday afternoon. The day before our schooling show.