Astra by Chris Platt Page B

sample.”
    Lily listened to Dr. Tison’s footsteps recede into the distance. When he returned, someone else was with him. Lily was surprised to see her father’s concerned face peering over the door.
    â€œHow are things going?” Mr. O’Neil asked.
    â€œWell, Dan, this brave little mare seems to be doing better.” He quickly drew the blood sample and slipped the vial into the protective carrier. “She’s not out of danger yet, and I’ll know more once I run this sample. But at the moment, I’d say she’s got a decent chance of pulling through.”
    Mr. Henley looked doubtful. “The question is, will she ever be good for anything? Her liver is probably so damaged that she’ll never be strong enough for work. And she might need continual medical care. If it were my horse, I’d still have her put down. It’s really the most humane thing for her.”
    â€œShe is your horse, Steven,” Lily’s father said quietly. “I didn’t want to say anything earlier because my daughter was so upset. It was a generous offer, and we thank you, but we can’t accept this horse. We don’t have the money to care for her, and we don’t have any stalls set up at home. You’re going to have to take her back. Lily can bring you the registration papers later.”
    Lily jumped to her feet, which was a big mistake. Her legs wobbled so badly, she nearly toppled over. She felt like she’d just gone over a tall jump and her horse had dropped out from under her.
    â€œ No! ” she cried, when she finally found her voice. She turned to her father. “We can’t give her back to Mr. Henley. He just said he’d probably put her down.” She grabbed her father’s arm. “Dad, Astra has fought so hard to stay alive. She’s waking up now. We can’t let her be put to sleep.”
    Mr. O’Neil breathed a heavy sigh. “Lily, we have nowhere to keep this horse, and no way to pay for her care.”
    It was almost as if she were on stage, with all eyes directed at her. Lily didn’t want to cry in front of all these people, but a tear trickled down her cheek. She knew it would be followed by many more. She hated being a crybaby. “But, Dad,” she whimpered. “This was Mom’s favorite horse. She’s my favorite horse. We can’t just let her die—not after she’s fought so hard to live.”
    â€œYou can keep her here until you get a stall fixed at your house,” Charlie volunteered.
    Lily’s father shook his head. “That still wouldn’t solve the money issue. Times are tough in our household. I don’t have the money to spend on a horse…especially a sick one.”
    â€œI can work,” Lily said, amazed that her voice still worked. Tears gathered in her throat, making it difficult to speak. “I’ll get a job mowing lawns or babysitting or something. I can pay for Astra’s feed.”
    Jill hooked arms with her father, anchoring him to the spot as if she were afraid he might flee. “We could pay Lily to work for us. We’re losing a groom next week. Lily could take his place.” She poked her dad in the ribs for good measure.
    Mr. Henley thought for a minute. “Lily is a good worker,” he said, nodding. “She could come for a few hours after school, and work the weekends.” He handed Lily a tissue. “Young lady, I think you’re going to put a lot of time and money into a horse that won’t even be rideable, but I understand her sentimental value to you. The job is yours if you want it, Lily.”
    â€œBut there are already so many vet bills,” Mr. O’Neil said, frowning. “From the sound of it, there are likely to be many more. And Lily could still lose the mare anyway.”
    Dr. Tison shrugged. “I’m not going to lie to you. If she pulls through, it’s going to be very tough going with this