taking it easy

[Snowflake]

I shook my head in disbelief. Akuma's wild dash had caused him to pull his shoulder. I doubted now very much if Akuma would get to run at all in the Triple Crown. Of course, I knew Akuma's injury wasn't my fault - but I couldn't help feeling guilty and upset when I saw the pained look in his eyes. The vet pushed another needle to help with his pain into his jugular, then backed away slowly out of the stall. Akuma had bitten him three times and squashed him against the stall wall. Not to mention his numerous kicking threats, so there was plenty of reason for the seasoned vet to be frightened of the big colt.

Stall rest for three days. Then you can walk him, as long as the swelling is down. He'll be able to return to racing within three months. The vet said. I sighed. That meant at least six weeks before he could be ridden again.

**3 Days Later**

No! James growled, poking Akuma's uninjured shoulder sharply with the crop. The colt jumped away and snaked his head, barely missing James' face by milimetres. James was taking him for his first trip outside since his injury three days ago, and since he had been confined to his stall for three days, the seventeen hand three year old thoroughbred was quite aggressive.

He seemed not to notice his pulled shoulder as he worked on being as unruly as possible, but I could see the hesitation to use that leg at all, and the definite lameness when he did. He ignored it, and continued to play up. The Aquatread.. I thought. Finally, after five minutes of watching James and then Joe as well struggle to keep the colt walking in a straight line, I couldn't take it anymore.

Stop! Stop, we're doing it wrong. I said. James frowned at me. Then what do you suggest? he asked, a little snappily. I dismissed his attitude, as I knew he was a little stressed, and handling Akuma was no picnic, especially not today. The Aquatread. I said, shrugging a little. He likes it, doesn't he? Well, if he goes in there, it'll help him get better faster. And you won't have to put up with his behaviour because there's no room for him to mess about.

James rolled his eyes, but not at me. I can't believe I didn't even think of that.
I know. I didn't even think of it until about five minutes ago. I've been working on my argument in case you said no. I grinned. James grinned back, then suddenly we all noticed that Akuma had stopped misbehaving. He was standing there, looking almost bored, with a hint of pain in his cold, black eyes. I raised my eyebrowns skyward, as did James.

Then we made our way to the Aquatread.