//------------------------------// // quatre//four // Story: falling//in reverse // by The Red Parade //------------------------------// “Well, it’s a strange little thing, I’ll give you that much.” Soarin chuckled as Fiddlesticks tilted her head in confusion, staring at the painting. “It’s supposed to be.” “I dunno. Art don’t make much sense to me, but I love the colors.” She touched the frame gently. “Braeburn loves this thing. Shows it to every guest that comes by, y’know. When’re you gonna marry him already?”  Soarin raised an eyebrow. “Well… whenever we’re ready for it, I guess. I mean, we’ve got all the time in the world to sort that out. Her smile wavered at that. “Soarin… I’m worried about him.”  Soarin frowned, glancing up from his newspaper. “Why’s that?” “He ain’t the same,” she replied. “He’s been gettin’ weaker lately, complained that he’s feelin’ dizzy. Says he’s got some chest pains too. I’ve been tryin’ to get him to a doctor, but he ain’t budgin’. But hay, if he ain’t gonna listen to his sister, he might listen to you.” Soarin nodded, folding up his paper. “Yeah. Alright, I’ll talk to him.” Fiddlesticks nodded in thanks, and Soarin left the living room and headed into the kitchen. The Appleoosan sunset was one that he had come to enjoy. Soarin had been all over the world, but he was convinced that somehow, the sun set differently out here. The way the oranges and reds bounced off of the sand and into the air was something special, and he loved the way it contrasted with the inky dark of the night.  Braeburn was standing by the counter, his head low and breathing shaky. Soarin was immediately concerned. “Hey, what’s wrong buddy?” “Nothin’,” he quickly replied. “Feelin’ a mite dizzy is all.” Soarin was by his side instantly and wrapped him in a hug. “You working yourself too hard again?” “Ain’t that,” Braeburn answered, shaking his head. “Probably just tired is all.” Soarin kissed his neck gently. “You gotta get more rest, Brae. I don’t want to see you all worn out again.” “I know,” Braeburn answered with a nuzzle. “I know. But you don’t need to worry about me, ya big oaf. I’ll be just fine.” Soarin nodded. “Alright chief, but how have you been feeling? I heard you were having chest pains and stuff.” “Yeah,” Braeburn said with a sigh. “Been going on for awhile. But it’s nothin’, I reckon.” “Hey. Take this seriously,” Soarin said. “I don’t want this ‘nothing’ to become a ‘something.’ I’ll take you to the doctor’s tomorrow, okay? If anything, it’ll help me sleep easier at night.” Braeburn lowered his head and sighed. “Alright, fine. But I’m tellin’ you, I’m… just fine. But, if anything happens...” he absently raised a hoof to his chest. “Promise me you’ll be there?” Soarin nodded, “Every step of the way.” Braeburn returned the smile, and Soarin turned to walk out of the room. “Soarin…” Soarin turned around just in time to see Braeburn fall to the floor, limp and unconscious.