So she had disturbed Evaline. Avangeline was sorry she’d done so, but she’d already apologized and had no reason to say it again. She might have turned about and walked back beneath the sun hung high in the sky to lounge in shade near the oasis, but Evaline’s tone snapped like a quick stinging bite of a fly. Avangeline’s black tail twitched at her hindquarters and she lifted her head (not in a prideful manner) as a frown pinched her brow.
“Do I have something better to do?” She echoed, incredulity creeping into her tone as if she couldn’t believe the question had come from Evaline’s mouth. Something in this vaguely reminded her of the day she’d ran after the red mare when concerned about her safety and how that particular event had unfolded.
There were many things Avangeline could do in this moment. She could snap a sharp comment back and ask if Evaline had better things to do than stand around in the ocean. She could apologize again and fold beneath the hard weight of the older mare’s gaze before retreating back to feel sorry for herself for the rest of the day. Or…
Avangeline drew a breath and shook her head. “I’m glad you’re okay, Evaline. I was only worried about you and now that I see you need no assistance and would like to be left alone, I’ll return to the oasis.” The words were said with a level tone, no amount of anger or sorrow held in them. Avangeline turned as soon as she’d finished speaking, intent on moving up the shoreline and returning to the spot she’d been before she ventured out.
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