She neighs. A shiver creeps through her body. Her eyes turn to me; they are wide, alarmed. The sunset bestows a crown between her pointed ears. I speak to her in hushed tones, gentle utterances that always calmed her. She turns away. Another shiver.

I press my spurs to her flank; she remains motionless. I sigh, pulling the coarse blanket closer. My eyes wander to the illuminations below. I turn away. I turn back. The land is alive with light. Every window emits a vigil, underscoring the orange death throe of day.

She neighs and pulls me away. My eyes remain.