Tison care for Astra. The mare was awake, but very weak. By eight o’clock that evening, when her dad insisted she come home, the vet declared that Astra would make it through the night. Lily felt horrible having to leave her, but she had confidence in Dr. Tison’s diagnosis. Two important battles had been won today: Astra had survived and Lily’s dad had agreed to let her keep the mare. A double miracle, she thought as she watched Dr. Tison work. A car horn sounded outside the barn. “There’s your ride,” Dr. Tison said. He removed the last IV bottle and helped Astra roll into an upright position with her legs tucked under her. “Congratulations, Lily. I’m not sure how things are going to work out for you and this horse, but you saved her life today. Your mother would be very proud.” Lily smiled broadly. “We saved her life today, Dr. Tison. It took both of us.” She shoved her hands deep into her pockets and stared at the ground. “I don’t know how I’m ever going to pay you back for all this.”
