^{If you missed the first book - Fireflies - you might want to start there. It's here in its completion, written for Steemit. If you enjoy it, feel free to ask to be added to the subscriber list for the sequel, where new chapters are being released daily.}

Entry 9

This was going to be difficult. As soon as he recognized her, he jogged over, waving his hand like an over-excited toddler. She stifled the urge to roll her eyes. Stopping her horse, she turned to face him.

"Sunshine! I thought that was you."

Difficult? She re-evaluated. This was going to be impossible.

"I should have guessed that you were heading here! It's not like our plane was that full, and Georgia isn't exactly a typical Spring break location."

She nodded, noncommittally. He engaged further.

"Did you notice that we seem to be the only ones under 40? They all seem nice enough, but I hope you don't mind me letting my horse gravitate towards yours a bit." He gave a playful pat to her horse, and was rewarded with a defiant snort. Talia couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that horse and rider really were of one accord.

He scratched at the back of his head, looking a bit awkward. For a moment she was reminded of Bryd. It thawed her chilly mood just enough to favor him with her next words. "Sure, I prefer silence, but if you should find your horse wandering in our direction, we won't chase you off - immediately."

He didn't know quite how to take her words, until she smiled that radioactive smile again.

"Ha! Alright then, I better go get my horse before all the good ones are taken. Catch you on the trail!"

She sat in silence, shaking her head. As he walked away, she thought to herself, Nine days of this. She inhaled deeply, rubbing her hands roughly over her face. She nudged her horse forward, casually creating a little distance between her and the group. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking. If she could just get lost in the beauty of this land, she might be able to shut out the noise and descend into peace. Maybe it could still be salvaged.

The sound of an approaching, trotting horse roused her from her wishful thinking.

"Howdy, partner!"

Then again, maybe not.

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