Rose stood in the pale light of the livery stables at the Southampton docks, surrounded by the pungent smell of hay and manure. The sound of horses neighing and stomping their hooves drifted through the stalls as she stood next to Apollo, her beloved horse.
She ran her fingers through his soft mane, feeling the coarse texture under her fingertips, and scratched his jaw, eliciting a contented sigh from him. The warmth of his body radiated against her as she leaned her head against his, taking in the familiar scent of his sweat and leather.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the busy docks outside, Rose felt a sense of peace at this moment with her faithful companion. But she knew that soon she would have to say goodbye to him, and the thought filled her with a bittersweet mix of sadness and gratitude for the treasured memories they had shared.
