I readied Willow, my horse, with baskets of fresh vegetables and herbs I harvested earlier.

She neighed gently; as I ran my fingers through her growing white mane.

She stood at two meters tall with her head held up. I had just gotten halfway up her neck.

I assisted my parents during her delivery when I was ten, and we have been as thick as thieves since then.

I watched her develop from a dependent filly foal to a headstrong Mare, although the growth speed was a little too fast, in my opinion.

When she was all good, I made one last round on the farm grounds, ensuring the animals had all they would need for the rest of the day.

I checked for any weakness in the system that could cause pest invasions and ensured the traps were still in working order.

"Okay, Willow. Let's be on our way now." I patted her neck and marched forward to get her excited to move.

It was necessary owing to the stubborn personality she had, and I didn't want to spend another minute in this place.

Unfortunately, as I predicted, she stomped her legs and grunted.

"Ugh!" I groaned softly and turned just in time to see her tap her belly with her tail; repeatedly.

I knew, instantly, what she wanted.

"Again? I fed you not long ago, and that meal was generous." I crossed my arms and stared her down.

She was hungry, which was weird because she'd already eaten. The tapping gesture was how we trained them to indicate hunger.

When working with animals, giving in all the time was like telling them it was okay to repeat their behavior.

I was ready to put my feet down and refuse her firmly.

Well: until she shoved me forward and gave me those cute, big eyes.

Ashamedly, I melted and sighed, then murmured for her to stay put.

I knew I wasn't supposed to give in, but it was going to be just this one time. I promised myself I would never let it happen again, and I was intent on keeping that promise.

Exactly how you promised the last thirty-six times, but...

Shut it!

That was not the point.

I paced my way to the tree and plucked a bunch of Lemmon's; fist-sized, round-ish yellow fruits.

Pulling open the latch of my bag, I stuffed about ten of them inside.

Sending out a whistle, she turned to face me. I gestured for her to come over, and she galloped excitedly.

I motioned for her to bring her head down by the ear, and, when she did, I whispered into them.

"I am not supposed to give you these. But if I do, you have to behave for two weeks at least, got it?"

I figured being stern would help balance the fact that I was doing something potentially detrimental.

But maybe I was overthinking it; a little leniency never hurt anybody. Besides, I trusted Willow to be sensible.

She let out multiple grunts, and I took them as her form of agreement.

The fruit, in particular, wasn't the best fruit I'd ever tasted. But it seemed to drive the horses crazy, especially the younger ones.

I dipped my hand into the bag on my shoulder, feeling it up and trying to create suspense.

I felt it was working when she started panting unnaturally.

Without taking my eyes off her, I pulled the fruit out and waved it slowly in her face. Her eyes followed it cutely, and I couldn't resist pressing it into her face.

She bit gently on the fruit and chewed.

With a pat on her raven black neck, I pulled her by the reins and directed her forward.

This time, she didn't leave a word of protest.