Prompt 2: Tipping Point

Cahira stood shaking in the paddock that she'd been put in shortly after training began. A few feet away stood her tormentor. A massive Brahma bull, his horns already soaked red with her blood where he'd managed to nick her a few times. She had no idea why her owners were doing this, no idea why they were hurting her. She didn't understand what she'd done wrong! If only they could tell her or show her, she'd remember to never do that thing again! She'd try harder not to anger them! The lowering of her head was her first mistake, one the bull took advantage of as he bellowed loudly and lunged towards her. Already exhausted, Cahira never saw him coming till pain exploded through her left hip and her shrill screams, had stable hands rushing to her aid. Once they'd gotten the enraged bull out of her pen, she refused to get up. It simply hurt too much to do so. But every time the bull would bellow, she would freeze, as mind numbing terror gripped her. "She's damaged goods now." Stated one man while another simply shook his head. "Mighty damn shame. Her mother's a champion bull fighting horse." Had been the comments from another as they'd simply covered Cahira's bloodied body with little more than rags.

 

Jerking awake with a terrified snort, Cahira blinked when she realized, Hitomi was kneeling in front of her, a gentle but understanding smile on her face, even as tears slid down them. Alarmed and thinking she'd done something wrong, Cahira lowered her ears but looked up when Hitomi gently pulled her head, close to her chest, where the gentle kicks of the infant within her, reminded Cahira, her savior was carrying a little one. "Never again Cahira. Never again will you ever be hurt. Of this I promise you. We'll help you get over this." Whispered Hitomi as Cahira whickered softly, the tone filled with hope, even if it was but a simple flicker. She still felt hope and she clung to that. No matter what Hitomi would do to help her, Cahira vowed, she'd try her best for the woman who was willing to help her.