One step closer

                                    

                                          
 The next morning i was up before my alarm sounded. It was 5:30 am. The rooster hadn't crowed yet. It was early but I planned to go and see Spirit.
I lay still in bed for a few seconds then I threw my quilt off and ran towards the bathroom. After getting ready I changed into a black legging, and a simple shirt. I grabbed my backpack and slowly tip toed down the stairs. 
I sighed in relief when I found downstairs quiet. My dad was still asleep. He usually woke at 6:30. At least I could leave without anyone questioning me. I grabbed a piece of toast, and an apple. I pulled on my boots and ran outside. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Tom come out of the barn. Why was he here so early? Ugh. I quickly ran towards the trail behind the stables. Once under the cover of the trees I stopped and scanned my surroundings. Luckily no one had seen me, yet. 
I smiled and quickly ran up the path. The grass was wet from the morning dew. Half an hour later the trees thinned and the top of the hill emerged. I paused. How was I supposed to find Spirit? I walked over to the edge of the hill and looked down. No sign of the herd grazing. I had to find the herd. I sighed. How am I supposed to find an entire herd? I groaned. This was going to be difficult. I had hoped to be back before my dad woke  but now I realize that wasn't going to be an option. I sighed and begun slowly walking down the steep hill. 
Once at the bottom I stopped and looked around. There was grass everywhere for hundreds of miles. Except all the way north I could see a line of trees. I could start there. I begun walking towards the far away trees. 
By the time I reached them the sun had fully risen and I was sweating. I quickly ran the short distance towards the trees. Once under the shady trees I stopped and looked around. This part of woods was darker. The trees were closely packed together. You could barley see the sky overhead. 
I slowly started walking forward keeping my ears strained for any noise. Up ahead I saw sunlight shining down on a patch of grass. As I walked closer i held my breath in surprise. The scenery was beautiful. It was a small clearing with trees surrounding it. Here the forest floor was covered in white flowers, and the dirt was fresh and rich. Sunlight beat down on the clearing. I paused taking in all the beauty then I quickly pulled out my phone and took a picture. As I turned to go I heard a soft whinny. I spun around and noticed a horse lying on its side amongst the flowers. Upon closer inspection I saw it was Spirit. I cautiously walked towards him. When I was close enough I stopped. Why wasn't he getting up? Wild horses didn't just lay still when someone approached them. Something was wrong. 
Spirit raised his head and looked directly back at me with his chocolate brown eyes. I paused looking back him. His eyes had a pleading look in them, as If he was asking for help.
I dropped my backpack and slowly circled him. His left leg was stretched out beside him. Spirit lay still watching me, as I bent down to examine his leg. There was a deep gash just above his hoof and he had two other gashes just above his shoulder, though they weren't as deep as the one on his leg. I sat down on my knees and slowly put my hand on his neck. His body quivered but he lay still. I gently stroked his neck while whispering soothing words.
A few minutes went by and I decided the least I could do was tie his leg. The wound looked fresh. I stood up and grabbed the bottom of my shirt. I pulled with all my might till I heard the fabric rip. I sat back down and tried to put the cloth around his leg when Spirit violently kicked out his back legs. I jumped back. That was close. He whinnied angrily and tossed his head. I stood still for a moment thinking. Then I had an idea. 
I ran back to my backpack where I grabbed the apple I'd taken from the kitchen along with my phone. Spirit was still again as I approached, but he never took his eyes off me as I knelt beside him again. I held out the apple.