As if on cue, the sounds of hooves came as he arrived. It took several minutes of hushed silence other than an occasional murmur or sound of Jenny as Pony fed her and put her out to rest in the field.

He rubbed his back, looking exhausted as he came in. His eyes moved across the room until settling on her. A small uncertain smile appeared. "Hey, Karen. You re looking well. Glad the neighbors are helping you out. Need anything?"