Sundance: Sofia's Story, #0

By Laura Holt-Haslam

From grieving to healing: a horse, a boy, and the power of friendship.

 

Twelve-year-old Malachi Adams has always felt like an outsider. Ridiculed by his stepfather and bullied by his classmates because of his stutter, he finds solace in his dog, Sunny. After his mother takes Sunny to the vet to be euthanized, Mal is devastated he hasn't been given the opportunity to say goodbye.

 

When Mal gets lost in the woods, he discovers an abandoned pregnant mare. Believing Sunny has led him to this horse, Mal decides to care for her and keep her safe until she gives birth.

 

After his classmate, Amelia, learns of Mal's secret, she offers to help. But even together, caring for a horse—and her newborn foal—is no easy task.

 

This story will capture the hearts of animal lovers and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Holt-Haslam
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215916070

Laura Holt-Haslam

Multi-award-winning author and lifelong horse enthusiast, Laura Holt-Haslam, writes realistic middle grade fiction that inspires readers of all ages. While horses feature prominently, the heart of her writing revolves around the human characters as they navigate life in less-than-perfect families, learn how to make and be friends, overcome challenges that stand in the way of their dreams, and discover the healing power of love and forgiveness. Laura is passionate about sharing her love of horses through art, writing, and hands-on learning. For over thirty-five years, she has taught basic horsemanship and mentored hundreds of children and teens, encouraging them not only to become more confident equestrians, but more compassionate people. Laura is the mother of two young adult children. She lives in Southern Maine with her husband, two adorably naughty cats, and the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. She and her daughter share ownership of Max, a 27-year-old palomino miniature horse who loves to jump. Learn more about Laura and her books, and Max and his friends at https://lauraholthaslam.com/.

Book preview

Chapter one

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Malachi Adams struggled through the wet undergrowth beside the narrow stream. Each step brought a fresh stab of pain to his numbing toes, as icy water seeped through his sneakers. Zipped up to his chin, even his light jacket couldn’t protect him from the damp chill of early spring.

Ouch! He snatched his hand from the prickle bush a moment too late. His windbreaker had snagged on a thorn. He yanked, but the bush refused to release his sleeve. He tugged a second time, and a third, until the nylon shell of his jacket ripped, leaving a three-inch gash.

Mom would be furious.

Mal didn’t care.

The fallen log must be somewhere nearby. He’d crossed this stream once last summer while exploring with his Golden Retriever. Sunny would have known the way.

But Sunny wasn’t here to guide Mal to the hidden log or to lick away the blood pooling on the top of his hand. She’d never race through these woods again. Never bark wildly as she chased a squirrel up a tree. Never snuggle against Mal’s side, calming his anxious thoughts when he woke in the middle of the night.

How could Mom have done this without him? He should have been there with Sunny. He should have cradled her in his arms. Told her not to be afraid. That he would always love her. Never forget her.

Instead, Mom brought Sunny to the vet while he was in school. When he’d come home this afternoon, it was too late. Sunny had been his best friend for twelve years, and Mom hadn’t even given him the chance to say goodbye. Sunny had died without Mal by her side.

I didn’t want you to go through the pain of watching it happen, Mom had explained. I didn’t want to trigger your… well, it’s done now. She’s in a better place.

Mal would never forgive his mother.

Or himself.

Not knowing what else to do, he’d ran out the door, angry tears blurring his vision as his feet pounded down the driveway. Mom had yelled after him, but he refused to turn back.

Where was that stupid log? He must have passed it already. He’d just have to cross over the stream without it. What did it matter, anyway? The water was only a few inches deep, and his socks were already soaked.

He jumped onto a wobbly rock, teetered on his left foot, and leaped again, landing with a splash just short of the edge of the stream. His arms flailed as he struggled to catch his balance. He lurched forward, his hands and knees landing in cold, sticky mud.

Mal wiped his fingers on his now filthy jeans, considering his next move. When he and Sunny explored these woods, there’d been a trail to the log’s right, leading to an old granite quarry. Since he’d crossed the stream in the wrong place, there was no clear path to follow. He needed to walk along the side of the stream until he found it.

Mal still couldn’t find the log or the path to the quarry after bushwhacking for several minutes. Maybe he’d crossed too early after all and gone in the wrong direction. He headed back through the tangle of brush.

Where had he crossed the stream? Mal shivered even as a bead of sweat trickled between his shoulder blades. He couldn’t be that lost, could he? He just needed to keep searching for the path. But what if he didn’t find it? Even if he waded back to the other side, he’d still need to locate the trail home.

He’d gotten lost once before, with Sunny. She’d stood beside him, pressing her nose against his thighs until Mal’s panic subsided and he figured out which way to turn next.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as Dr. Solomon had taught him. Breathe in. And out. In. Out.

A high-pitched whinny broke Mal’s concentration. His eyes flew open.

If there was a horse nearby, there must be a person riding it. Or, even better, a farm where the horse lived. He just needed to head in the whinny’s direction. He’d have to leave the edge of the stream, though, and if he did, he’d risk getting even more lost.

The horse called again, and Mal hurried toward the sound. His feet slipped on rotting leaves and brown pine needles as he scrambled up the wooded hill. As he climbed higher, the trees thinned out. And just ahead… a field!

When he reached the edge of the field, however, electric fencing blocked his way. It would be easy enough to pass through if it wasn’t turned on, but what if it was? Would touching it electrocute him?

The fence couldn’t go on forever. He’d just follow along the winding perimeter until it came to a road or a barn. He’d still be lost, but at least he wouldn’t be in the woods, freezing to death or eaten by bears before anyone found him.

He hadn’t walked far when the horse whinnied again. Mal looked up, spotting the animal about a hundred yards away. Its coat was a pale yellow, almost the same shade as Sunny’s. The horse stared at him, its head high and ears pricked forward.

And then it trotted toward him.

Mal didn’t know much about horses, but this one looked much wider than he’d expected. Not fat—in fact, as the horse approached, he could see the faint outline of her ribs—but wide, with a bulging belly like a giant watermelon. Or…

Are you expecting a baby?

The horse nickered in response.

Yes, you must be p-p-pregnant, Mal said as the mare stopped a few feet in front of him. He reached his hand through the electric fence, careful not to brush against a wire.

The mare’s nostrils quivered. She stretched her neck toward him, but seemed nervous about touching the fence. Smart horse.

What’s your name? he asked, just to be friendly.

She