Today is the day I’m determined to win gold in the intermediate barrel racing contest. Finesse and I spent last night practicing, and I feel we’re both ready to conquer this challenge.
After breakfast, I head outside to brush Finesse, clean her hooves, and pat her down to prepare for the competition. Once I feel that we’re ready, we ride to the Equestrian Center.
Finesse and I approach Duke’s Hall, across from the Equestrian Center, where I’m greeted by a familiar face. It’s my old friend, Kisha, from high school. Shocked to see her there, I hop down from Finesse’s back and hug her.
Tambara: Kisha! What are you doing here?
Kisha pulls out her phone.
Kisha: I saw your post on Social Bunny and wanted to come and surprise you.
The last time I saw Kisha was when I broke things off with her brother, Enzo. It was brutal, so I’m not exactly surprised that I haven’t heard from her since. But it’s good to see her now. I just hope her brother hasn’t tagged along.
Tambara: Sorry I haven’t been in contact with you.
Kisha: It’s okay, a lot has happened since we last spoke. I basically fell off the grid for a while.
I want to avoid asking about Enzo, but I’m interested in what she’s been doing.
Tambara: So, what are you up to nowadays?
Kisha: I’m married now.
Tambara: Married! To who?
Kisha: You don’t know him. His name is Carl.
I can hear the announcer over the loudspeakers outside the Equestrian Center giving the times for today’s competitions. As much as I’d like to hear more about my friend’s new marriage, I have to cut it short or I’ll miss the barrel races.
Tambara: I want to hear all about him, but I have to go. Are you staying to watch?
Kisha: Of course!
Tambara: Good! See you inside.
I turn and hurry to the Equestrian Center.
Fueled by determination and still riding the joy of seeing my old friend again, I take everything I learned about barrel racing and apply it there in the arena. A few hours later, Finesse and I emerge victorious after winning the gold medal in the contest. It’s just what I wanted, and I couldn’t be prouder. What makes it even more special is having Kisha in the audience cheering me on.
I pat Finesse’s nose and kiss the side of her face.
Tambara: You were awesome in there!
Yves, the horse trainer, walks over just as Kisha joins us outside.
Yves: You both were! Your execution was perfect. Finesse is going to be a big star. Have you ever thought about breeding her out? With her athleticism and temperament, her foal would be worth a ton.
Tambara: You mean with other people’s horses? Heck no!
Kisha: That’s a thing?
Yves: It’s not like that at all. She’d be artificially inseminated.
Tambara: No, thanks.
Yves: Okay, no problem. I just thought I’d ask. I know a few ranchers who would be interested if you ever change your mind.
I know I won’t. If Finesse ever has a foal, I’m keeping it, not selling it to the highest bidder. I don’t care if it’s part of ranch life or not. Finesse deserves better than that.
Completely dismissing everything the horse trainer said and leaving an enormous pile of Finesse’s manure for him to clean up for even suggesting it, Kisha and I walk Finesse back to the ranch. I stand there and watch as her eyes light up seeing it for the first time.
Kisha: This is all yours? It’s amazing.
I agree one hundred percent, and I’ll never get used to the awe people have when they first see it. It reminds me that I still need to invite Desi over. Her reaction will be priceless.
I give Kisha a brief tour outside before leading her to the house. Her eyes dart back and forth as well as up and down at the tall ceiling.
Kisha: Did you decorate it?
Tambara: No, it was like this when I moved in.
Kisha: It’s fantastic. I’m so jealous. Carl and I thought we were doing something when we rented our apartment in Oasis Springs.
Kisha mentioning Oasis Springs makes me think of that Marvel guy again. I’m sure that’s where he said he lives too.
Kisha and I sit out on the back porch to avoid dirtying up my indoor furniture with my filthy riding clothes. She’s still busy looking around and admiring the place when my mind shifts to her brother.
Tambara: So, I guess I should ask — how’s Enzo?
Kisha gasps and looks over at me with sad eyes.
Kisha: Oh my Watcher! You don’t know?
Tambara: Know what?
Kisha: Enzo died.
I wait for Kisha to crack a smile to reveal the joke, but her expression makes the truth clear.
Tambara: Wait, you’re serious?
The contents of my stomach threaten to come up, and the shock settles there.
Tambara: What happened?
Kisha: It was a freak accident at the community garden. He was volunteering, and they keep a small chicken coop for eggs and compost. A chicken attacked him while he was carrying a crate of produce. He tripped, fell back, and hit his head on one of the raised beds. It all happened so fast. He never woke up.
It sounds so crazy that I wouldn’t believe it if it weren’t for the sincerity in her tone. I stammer, searching for something to say… anything to ease the pain of what I’m hearing.
Tambara: I b‑blocked his account, and you never mentioned it on Social Bunny, so—
I drop my head into my hands, thinking about my last interaction with him.
Kisha: I’m so sorry, Tami. I should have called.
Tambara: I was so mean to him. I never thought something like this could happen.
Kisha: He really did like you, Tami. He felt bad about what he tried to do at prom.
I lift my head, trying to hold back tears.
Tambara: That doesn’t exactly make me feel better.
Kisha: I know, I just—he’d want you to know.
I don’t want to hear anymore. The weight of it is too much, too sudden, too sharp.
Tambara: I need a minute.
I get up to shower and change out of my riding clothes.
As I’m heading inside, Kisha speaks up behind me.
Kisha: I’m sorry you had to hear about it like this.
I am too, but I avoid responding to keep my nausea at bay.
After spending some time in the shower thinking about Enzo and both his sweet and not‑so‑enjoyable moments, I come back outside with a new outfit and a loosely tightened grip on my emotions. That chapter was closed a long time ago.
I find Kisha outside talking to Juanita, who’s going on and on about planting vegetables and harvesting honey. I’m sure Kisha isn’t interested in any of it, so I hurry over to rescue her.
Tambara: Hey Juanita, now that you’ve gotten acquainted with Kisha, maybe you can check on the garden to make sure the dirt is still where it should be.
It’s a silly thing to say, but it’s the first thing that pops into my head. Juanita’s smile fades as she realizes exactly what I’m trying to do. I know she’s just being friendly, but Kisha is here for me, not her.
Juanita: Yeah, okay. *to Kisha* Nice to meet you!
Juanita walks toward the garden after being dismissed. I feel bad, but I’ll try to make it up to her later.
Kisha: I didn’t know you had people working for you. That’s badass.
Tambara: I just have Juanita. I needed somebody to do the things I’m not interested in doing.
Kisha: Like what?
Tambara: Cleaning the barn and planting the garden.
I’m sure Juanita can still hear us, so I add something to make her feel appreciated.
Tambara: Yeah, I’d be lost without her. Anyway, are you hungry? Juanita is also a good cook. There’s some leftover chicken in the refrigerator.
While Kisha finishes up some of the chicken from the fridge, I pull out my phone to scroll Social Bunny. The first person I see is Marvel, newly added to my contact list. Curious, I click his profile. There’s a message there about some sort of gaming tournament happening at a café in Oasis Springs. Maybe he’ll be there. Kisha lives in Oasis Springs.
Tambara: Have you ever heard of the Cyber Gaming Café?
Kisha: Yeah, it’s not too far from my house. Why?
Tambara: I was wondering if you wanted to go check it out.
Kisha looks a little confused.
Kisha: Today?
Tambara: Yeah, why not?
Kisha: Only gaming geeks go there. Are you a gamer?
Tambara: No, I just wanted to check it out. If it’s a café there’ll be coffee, right?
Kisha: Uh, yeah. I guess so. Okay, I was just about to head home anyway. Let’s go.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
