Chapter 202: Guardians, Part 7, Nine Years Ago, The Farm

"Jennifer, are you alright?"

"I'm a bit stiff, Mrs Collier. Nathaniel was teaching me to trot this morning."

"Ah-ha? I'll run you a hot bath, then. That'll help to ease the muscles a bit."

Ten minutes later, as Jennifer steps into foaming water, the bathroom door bangs open and Mrs Collier marches in with an armful of towels, then halts, "Oh, sorry Jennifer. I didn't realise.... Heavens, girl!" She raises a hand to her mouth in shock. "What have you done to yourself?"

From thigh to belly, Jennifer's normally pale skin is blue and purple with bruising. "You gave yourself a real pounding, didn't you? You're supposed to rise and fall with the movement of the horse. Not bounce on its back like a sack of potatoes...."

*****

Monday arrives, and Jennifer sets out at a smart pace down the track, eager to get to school and change the books she finished over the weekend.

Chad is waiting for her again. He takes her bag. "It's heavy," he says, as he hitches it over his shoulder. "Wha