Chapter 7: A New Role

Saturday came all too quickly for Maeve. While she was looking forward to the work and the routine, she wasn’t looking forward to giving Erice her answer to the request Erica made of her last weekend. It was 4:30 a.m. and Maeve slid from her warm bed. Slipping on her sandals she took a new risk; Maeve left the house without her dress. She chose to go to work nude.

It was just before 5:00 a.m. when Maeve pulled into her usual parking spot at Maplewood Farms. After several minutes of sitting in the car second-guessing her decision, Maeve finally stepped out of the car. The light in the barn had not been turned on yet so Maeve made her way to the tack room using the safety lights that came on when the main lights were turned off.

Having come to work without any clothes, Maeve just had to remove her sandals and slip on the pony boots but knowing that she was to receive an enema she placed the boots next to the shower stall and went to wake Pebble.

Pebble was giving Maeve her enema when the lights came on. Since Maeve’s arms were strapped to the wall there was no way for her to cover herself when the handlers came in to wake the other ponies. When Pebble was done with Maeve they switched places.

During the previous week, Erica taught Maeve how to give an enema and became responsible for taking care of Pebble. When they were done and showered Maeve led Pebble back to her stall so she could eat.

Maeve had retrieved her boots and slid them on before feeding the horses. When she got to the ponies, Erica asked Maeve about her decision. “Maeve, have you decided about what I asked you last Saturday?” Erica asked.

Taking a deep breath, Maeve met Erica’s gaze and nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

Mid-Morning: The Role Reversal

By the time the sun had begun to warm the ground, Maeve found herself standing in the barn, staring at the bridle that Erica held in her hands. Her heart pounded in her chest as Erica approached her, the leather straps gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the windows.

“You’ll be fine,” Erica said reassuringly, placing a hand on Maeve’s shoulder. “Pebble will be guiding you, and I’ll be giving the commands. Just take it one step at a time.”

Maeve swallowed hard and nodded. “I trust you.”

With that, Erica gently slipped the bridle over Maeve’s head, securing the straps and making sure it fit snugly. The bit settled into Maeve’s mouth, the silicone-covered metal cool against her tongue. It felt strange at first, but Maeve focused on calming her breathing, allowing herself to adjust to the sensation.

Pebble, standing nearby, stepped forward and hooked the lead to Maeve’s bridle. Her calm presence reassured Maeve, and she felt a sense of connection to her ponygirl partner, knowing that Pebble had been through this countless times.

Erica gave Pebble a nod, and they began. “Walk on,” Erica commanded, her voice steady.

Maeve hesitated for a moment, but then Pebble gently tugged on the lead, guiding her forward. Maeve took a step, the bit in her mouth making her hyper-aware of the control and trust she had given Erica and Pebble. She was no longer in control—she was being guided. With each step, Maeve felt her muscles adjust, learning to move with grace, just as Pebble had taught her.

They walked in a circle, Erica offering gentle commands while Pebble led her. Maeve’s steps became more fluid, the initial awkwardness fading as she began to understand the rhythm of the training. Erica walked along beside Maeve and used a riding crop to correct her step and posture.

Just as Maeve was beginning to settle into the routine, something caught her eye—a figure standing near the paddock fence... Kelsey.

Maeve’s heart skipped a beat as she locked eyes with her best friend, who stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock. Kelsey had known about Maeve’s work at the farm, but seeing her in the bridle, being led like a ponygirl was something else entirely. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, neither of them knowing what to say.

Erica, sensing the tension, stopped the session and signaled for Pebble to bring Maeve to a halt. Maeve’s face flushed with embarrassment, but there was no turning back now.

Kelsey remained silent for a moment before finally managing to speak. “Maeve ... is that you?”

Maeve nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn’t sure what Kelsey would say next, but the look on her face told Maeve that things would never be quite the same. Kelsy followed as Maeve was led back into the barn.

An uncomfortable Conversation

Maeve stood and looked at Kelsey as Erica removed the bridle from Maeve’s head. The awkward silence between them at the barn was heavy with tension, and Maeve knew they would have to talk about it. “I ... didn’t expect to see you like that,” Kelsey admitted, her voice quiet.

Maeve took a deep breath, bracing herself for the conversation. “I know. It’s a lot.”

Kelsey studied her for a moment, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and concern. “I mean, I knew what you were doing at the farm, but seeing it ... seeing you like that ... it was different.” Kelsey had gotten used to seeing Maeve naked while at the farm after seeing her during her occasional visits.

“I get it,” Maeve said softly. “It’s not easy to explain.”

Kelsey shook her head slightly. “Are you ... okay with all of this? I don’t mean the work—I mean, are you okay with being in that role? Being ... guided like that?”

Maeve thought for a moment before answering. “Yeah, I think I am. It’s hard to explain, but it’s helping me understand Pebble and what she’s going through. It’s about trust, Kelsey. And it’s about learning to let go.”

Kelsey frowned, still processing everything. “I just ... I don’t want you to lose yourself in this or your freedom.”

“I won’t,” Maeve assured her, her voice steady. “This is something I’m choosing to do. It’s not about losing myself—it’s about understanding something different.”

Kelsey was quiet for a moment before finally nodding. “Okay. I trust you, Maeve. But promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Maeve smiled softly, feeling the weight of her friend’s concern. “I promise.”

After that awkward conversation, Kelsey did something Maeve never expected, she hugged Maeve’s naked body. Maeve wrapped her arms around Kelsey and returned the hug.

After the uncomfortable conversation with Kelsey, Maeve couldn’t shake the lingering tension from their encounter. Her best friend had always been there for her, and though Kelsey said she understood, Maeve knew things between them had changed. The rest of the morning went by in a blur, her mind drifting between Kelsey’s words and the training she was about to face.

Erica, however, had different plans for Maeve.

Midmorning Training: Strength Test

With the early morning training behind her, Erica led Maeve toward the small training paddock where a sled was waiting. Maeve felt her heart rate increase as she approached the sled. It was a simple metal structure with wide skids, used to strengthen a ponygirl’s legs and build stamina by adding weight to increase friction between the skids and the ground. “To use this training aid, you need to wear a harness with a wide belt,” Erica informed Maeve while producing the harness. Maeve held her arms out shoulder high and spread her legs as she had seen Pebble do many times. Erica placed the straps over Maeve’s shoulders and Pebble helped fasten the straps.

Once the harness was fastened and checked Maeve was backed up to the sled and the chains were connected to the rings on either side of the belt. “Now we’ll test your strength,” Erica said, her voice calm and steady. “Don’t worry, you’re not expected to perform like Pebble—this is just a baseline.

Erica explained the plan: “I want you to run one lap around the race track as fast as you can while pulling the empty sled. If you do well, we’ll add an 80-pound bag of feed to the sled and repeat the process. We’ll keep increasing the weight until you can’t pull the sled any longer. Your lap times will help us determine your starting point. It is how we evaluate every new pony.”

Maeve’s pulse quickened as she nodded in understanding. The bit in her mouth reminded her of the control she had surrendered. Erica guided her into position in front of the sled. “We’ll start with a simple walk, just like we did earlier until we get to the race track. Pebble’s been through this countless times, and now it’s your turn.”

Erica attached the lead to Maeve’s bridle and positioned herself beside Maeve. “Walk on.” Pebble followed on Maeve’s other side.

Maeve’s muscles tensed as she took her first steps. The sled didn’t budge at first, but with a bit more effort, it began to slide forward. The resistance was more than she had expected, and her legs burned with the strain. But after a few paces, the sled moved more smoothly, and Maeve settled into a rhythm, following Erica toward the race track.

“Good,” Erica called out, her voice steady. “Keep it up.”

Once Maeve overcame the initial friction the sled moved much easier. She was able to follow Erica as she was led to the racetrack. “When we get to the track, I’ll unhook the lead. When I give the signal, sprint as fast as you can. I’ll act as your finish line. After each lap, we’ll add weight and repeat. I’ll move a little ahead of you so you can get the sled moving. When you get to me start running again. Stop when you pass me. Do you understand the process?” Erica asked. Maeve looked at Erica and nodded.

Each lap would be a quarter mile—just like the track back at school. Maeve had seen football players pulling similar sleds for training, but now that she was the one doing it, she realized how much effort it took.

“Run!” Erica called.

Maeve surged forward, the sled dragging behind her. Her legs burned as she dug into the dirt, her feet straining to maintain speed. Every muscle in her body screamed for relief, but she kept going, driven by the challenge. The weight of the sled was manageable at first, but by the end of the lap, Maeve felt the strain in every step.

Maeve’s body ached, but she didn’t stop. She could feel the warmth in her muscles, the exertion pushing her to her limits. After several laps around the track, Erica finally signaled for her to stop.

“Good!” Erica called out. “Stop there. Well done,” Erica said, smiling as she unclipped the reins. “That was tough, but you handled it well.”

Maeve slowed to a walk, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Pebble moved to add an 80-pound bag of feed to the sled, increasing the challenge.

“Same thing again,” Erica said, positioning herself ahead of Maeve. “When you’re ready.”

With her heart pounding, Maeve pulled the sled again, this time feeling the added weight almost immediately. It dragged against the dirt, and every step required more effort than before. But she pushed through, her mind focused on reaching Erica at the other end.

By the end of the second lap, Maeve’s body felt like it was on fire. The sled now held two 80-pound bags of feed, but she refused to stop. Each lap became a test of her endurance, her muscles burning and sweat pouring down her body as she continued to pull.

Maeve panted heavily, her body slick with sweat, but she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. She had done it—pushed herself further than she thought possible. “Two bags, 160 lbs., plus the weight of the sled for a total of 240 lbs. Not bad for your first time. It’s lunchtime so let’s get the two of you back into the barn,” Erica told her

Erica reattached the lead to Maeve and handed it to Pebble. Pebble led Maeve back to the staging area for the sled. Maeve, exhausted and barely able to lift her feet managed to make it back to the area where she was unhooked from the sled. Erica and Pebble removed the bags and stacked them in the barn with the others. Maeve stood near the sled until they returned. Erica and Pebble placed the chains on top of the sled then picked it up and carried it to its spot; turned it around and set it down.

Lunch Break: A New Experience

Pebble picked up Maeve’s lead rope and led her into the barn to an empty stall where she could eat and drink. Maeve’s body ached from the intense exertion of the morning, her muscles sore, and her steps heavy. As soon as they reached the stall, Erica unhooked Maeve’s bit and lead rope, but before leaving, she issued a gentle reminder.

“While you’re dressed like a pony, Maeve, you’ll follow the same rules as the others. No talking to anyone but Pebble once I leave,” Erica said, her tone firm but understanding. Maeve nodded in acknowledgment.

As Erica turned to leave, Pebble placed a shallow tray of pony hay on the ground in front of Maeve, alongside a tray of water. Maeve, having watched the ponygirls eat many times, instinctively leaned forward, her dry throat craving relief. She drank deeply from the water tray, the cool liquid a welcome refreshment after the rigorous training.

Once her thirst was quenched, Maeve turned her attention to the hay, lowering her head to eat. Without the use of her hands, which were still fastened behind her back, Maeve had no choice but to mimic how the ponies ate. She chewed quickly, feeling the earthy texture of the feed in her mouth. It was filling and familiar, but the act of eating it in this way was far more intimate and raw than anything she had experienced before.

For the first time, Maeve truly felt the full weight of what it meant to live as a ponygirl. She had watched from the sidelines, observing Pebble and the others as they went through their routine. But now, standing in the stall—naked, wearing only her bridle, harness, and hoof boots—Maeve realized just how deeply she had immersed herself into this world.

The bit, the harness, the way her body ached from pulling the sled—everything about the morning’s training had pushed her further into the experience than she had ever imagined. She felt exposed, not just physically but emotionally, as the boundaries between Maeve the worker and Maeve the ponygirl blurred.

As she ate, Maeve’s thoughts drifted back to the journey that had led her here. It wasn’t long ago that she had hesitated even to remove her clothes in the barn, let alone pull a sled. And now? She was becoming part of the farm, part of this world, in ways she hadn’t expected.

From her stall, Maeve spotted Pebble being led to her own stall next to the one Maeve was in. Maeve glanced up, catching Pebble’s eye, and for a brief moment, they shared an unspoken connection. Pebble had made this choice, had embraced this lifestyle, and Maeve felt that she was beginning to understand why. It wasn’t about submission or loss of self; it was about freedom—freedom from the expectations of the outside world and the constraints of everyday life.

Yet, as Maeve chewed the pony hay and felt the strain of the harness across her shoulders, she knew that this wasn’t her path. It was Pebble’s. Maeve’s life lay beyond the farm, beyond the stall and the role she was playing today. But being here, experiencing this, was helping her see the world through a new lens—a perspective that only this immersive experience could provide.

The barn was quiet except for the soft rustling of hay and the occasional shuffle of hooves. Maeve allowed herself to relax, accepting the stillness of the moment. The cool water, the bite of the feed—it was all part of the lesson. She had come to Maplewood Farms not just to work but to learn. To challenge herself.

As she finished her meal, Maeve’s thoughts circled back to the choices Pebble had made. For Pebble, this was a life of peace, discipline, and structure. Maeve could see the appeal in that—the simplicity of the routine, the clear purpose. But for Maeve, it was about understanding something outside of her own sheltered life, about expanding her horizons, even if it meant stepping into an unfamiliar and uncomfortable role.

For the first time since coming to Maplewood Farms, Maeve wasn’t just observing. She was living the experience—feeling the weight of it, the power of it. And with every bite of hay, every sip of water, she realized just how much this experience was changing her.

Maeve glanced up at Pebble. “Jessica ... or should I call you Pebble?” she asked hesitantly, her voice low, though no one was around.

Pebble froze for a moment, her eyes softening at the sound of her old name. “Jessica is fine,” she replied quietly, her voice faint and unused to speaking.

Maeve took a breath, steadying herself. “I’ve wanted to talk to you about ... everything. I know about what happened to your family—the accident—and how you ended up here. But I don’t understand why. Why did you choose to stay?”

Jessica lowered her gaze, her expression distant. “It wasn’t a choice. Not really.”

Maeve frowned. “What do you mean?”

Jessica sighed, the weight of her past suddenly pressing down on her. “After the accident ... I was a mess. I lost everything—my parents, my home, my future. Aunt Emily, my mom’s older sister, took me in. She told me that Maplewood could help me escape the pain, just for a while. She said this life, being a ponygirl, could help me cope until I was ready to handle everything.” Her voice wavered as she spoke, the bitterness creeping in. “But it was all a lie.”

Maeve’s heart sank. “A lie?”

Jessica nodded, her jaw tightening. “My aunt didn’t want me to inherit my parents’ fortune. She wanted it for herself. So, she brought me here under the pretense of ‘escaping’ for a while. Being under 18 she had to sign the papers allowing me to stay here. She tricked me into thinking I could come back when I was ready. But instead, she sold me to the farm. And here ... all sales are final.”

Maeve’s eyes widened in shock. “She sold you? You couldn’t leave?”

Jessica shook her head. “No. Once you’re sold, you belong to the farm. I am stuck. I couldn’t go back, couldn’t reclaim my life, and all the while, Aunt Emily was trying to take everything that belonged to me.”

“That’s ... awful,” Maeve whispered, her heart breaking for Jessica. “How could she do that to you?”

Jessica’s eyes darkened, her voice growing cold. “The rest of the family found out what she’d done. They had her arrested, and she was sentenced to become a ponygirl as well. That’s why she’s here now, under the name Bella. She thought she could trick me into disappearing, but she ended up in the same place.”

Maeve swallowed hard, the weight of Jessica’s story hitting her like a punch to the gut. “I had no idea,” she murmured. “I’m so sorry, Jessica.”

Jessica gave a small, sad smile. “It’s okay. I’ve made peace with it ... as much as I can. This life—it’s all I have now. And I’ve found a way to accept it.”

Maeve stared at her, feeling a deep sense of guilt for everything Jessica had gone through. “But do you ever think about leaving? Trying to reclaim what was stolen from you?”

Jessica shook her head again. “There’s no going back. Once you’re here, this is your life. Besides, what’s left for me outside of this? Everything I had is gone.” She paused, her eyes locking with Maeve’s. “That’s why I stayed. Not because I wanted to, but because there was no other choice.”

Maeve was silent for a moment, her thoughts swirling as she tried to process what Jessica had told her. This wasn’t just a lifestyle choice for Jessica—it was her reality, her only option after her world had been torn apart.

Before Maeve could say anything more, the soft sound of footsteps echoed in the barn. Erica was returning from her lunch. The conversation would have to end here, at least for now.

Jessica glanced at Maeve, her eyes flickering with a brief moment of vulnerability before she slipped back into her role as Pebble. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice so quiet Maeve almost didn’t hear it.

Maeve nodded, understanding the unspoken words. “I’m here if you ever want to talk again.”

With that, Jessica turned her attention back to her tray of pony hay, and Erica entered the stall, her usual confident smile in place.

“How’s your lunch?” Erica asked lightly, inspecting the tray. There was no need for Maeve to answer—ponies didn’t speak in front of free people, after all. Erica simply gave a satisfied nod, her eyes reflecting approval.

“Good. You’ve got a full afternoon ahead,” Erica said. “Let’s get you both ready.”

Maeve exchanged a final, silent glance with Jessica before allowing Erica to reattach her bit. No more words could pass between them, but the weight of their conversation lingered in Maeve’s mind as she followed Erica and Pebble out of the stall. There was still so much to understand, but at least now, she had a clearer picture of why Jessica had chosen—or rather, been forced—into this life.

For the first time, Maeve truly felt like one of the ponygirls. The bit, the lead rope, the training—it was all part of the experience she had chosen. And now, standing in the stall, she understood it on a deeper level. For the first time since she came to Maplewood Farms Maeve was dressed just like a real ponygirl.

Afternoon Training: Pulling the Sulky

Once lunch was over, Maeve’s afternoon took a new turn. Erica approached her after the break, her face serious but encouraging. “Now it’s time for you to learn how to pull a sulky,” she said, the weight of the words hitting Maeve immediately.

Maeve’s eyes widened in surprise. Pebble was already being prepared for her sulky training, but this time, Maeve would be participating in a whole new way.

Erica led her out of the stall and back to the race track where two sulkies awaited them. “We’ll be testing your speed this time,” Erica explained, guiding Maeve into position. “You’ll pull one with me driving, while Pebble will have one of the other trainers in hers. I’ll be in your sulky to guide you.”

The thought of pulling a sulky felt daunting. Maeve took a deep breath, determined to give it her best. She had trained all morning, and her legs still ached from the sled pulling, but this was another step toward understanding what Pebble went through every day.

As Erica attached the reins to Maeve’s bridle and secured her to the sulky, the reality of the situation hit her. The sulky, though smaller than the sled, was a new challenge—a test of not only her strength but her endurance. The bit in her mouth kept Maeve’s movements controlled, and the harness felt snug across her shoulders and hips. Her body hummed with tension.

Erica climbed into the sulky behind her, pulling the reins taut as she climbed aboard and seated herself. “Walk on,” Erica commanded.

Maeve took a step forward, feeling the light resistance of the sulky behind her. It was different from the sled—less weight, but the wheels meant maintaining speed was trickier. She could hear the gentle creak of the wood as it moved behind her, and her legs began to warm to the rhythm.

They circled the track once at a walking pace. Pebble moved effortlessly beside her, already familiar with the routine. Maeve tried to focus on matching Pebble’s grace, feeling the reins give gentle guidance from Erica as she pulled.

“Now, let’s pick up the pace,” Erica instructed, her voice calm but firm. “Trot on.”

Maeve’s muscles protested as she quickened her steps. She felt the burn immediately—the long morning session and the weight of the sulky catching up with her. She focused on her breathing, her body falling into a steady rhythm despite the strain.

From the corner of her eye, Maeve watched Pebble, her form steady and strong. Pebble was pulling one of the trainers in her sulky, and Maeve couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly she managed it. The trainer cracked the whip softly, urging Pebble to maintain her pace.

“Good,” Erica called from behind, her voice steady as Maeve kept her focus. “You’re doing great. Now, keep up with Pebble.”

Maeve’s heart pounded in her chest as the challenge set in. Matching Pebble’s pace wasn’t easy, especially with the lactic acid still in her muscles from the sled training. The afternoon sun bore down on her skin, and the sweat dripped from her brow, but she pushed on. Each step brought a sharper burn to her legs, but she refused to slow down.

Pebble, moving like the seasoned ponygirl she was, glided along the track effortlessly. Maeve struggled to keep up, feeling her body strain as she pulled the sulky faster. The wheels bounced slightly over the dirt track, jarring her muscles with every step, but she dug her heels in.

“Faster, Maeve,” Erica urged, her voice soft but commanding. “You’ve got this.”

The sulky rattled behind her as Maeve pushed harder, her lungs burning as she tried to match Pebble’s speed. Her hooves pounded against the dirt, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The tail attached to the plug swayed with each step, reminding her how deeply she had committed to this experience.

The distance between them and Pebble began to close, but Maeve felt the strain in her legs intensify. The ache was becoming unbearable, her body screaming at her to stop, but Erica’s encouragement kept her moving. “You’re keeping pace well,” Erica noted. “Let’s see if you can pass her.”

Maeve gritted her teeth against the bit and pressed on. Her hooves struck the dirt harder as she focused all her energy on overtaking Pebble. For a brief moment, Maeve caught up, their strides matching in perfect harmony.

But just as Maeve thought she might be able to pass, Pebble surged forward, her body moving with a burst of energy that Maeve couldn’t match. Maeve felt her strength wane, her muscles protesting as she slowed slightly.

“Good effort,” Erica said, pulling back slightly on the reins to signal Maeve to slow down. Maeve was panting heavily, her legs quivering from the exertion. “You did really well for your first time. Sulky pulling takes time to master, and you’re off to a strong start. If you ever decide to become a pony full-time, I’d be honored to be your trainer.”

Maeve slowed to a walk, the weight of the sulky still pulling on her, but the pace was more manageable now. Pebble circled back, her breathing even, but she gave Maeve a small, approving nod.

Maeve couldn’t help but smile, despite her exhaustion. She had managed to keep pace, even if only for a short time. It wasn’t about winning—it was about learning. And she had learned a lot that afternoon.

Erica dismounted from the sulky and unhooked Maeve from the harness. “We’ll practice more next time. For now, you’ve earned a break.” Will there be a next time? Maeve asked herself.

Maeve nodded, her body grateful for the rest, but inside, she felt a deep sense of accomplishment. She had pushed herself further than she thought possible.

Post-Sulky Training: A New Invitation

After the final lap of sulky training, Erica guided both Maeve and Pebble back toward the barn, their hoof boots scuffing the ground with each tired step. The afternoon sun was sinking low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the track as they made their way inside. Maeve’s legs still burned from the workout, and every step felt heavier than the last, but there was a sense of accomplishment settling over her.

Inside the barn, Erica unhooked the reins from Maeve’s bridle, her hands swift and practiced as she removed the sulky straps. Pebble stood beside Maeve, her breath coming in slow, even bursts as Erica freed her from her own tack. One by one, the harnesses, reins, and bits were removed, leaving the two girls standing in nothing but their hoof boots.

“All done for now,” Erica said as she stepped back, surveying the two ponygirls. “Let’s get you both cleaned up. Head to the showers.”

Maeve nodded, grateful for the reprieve, and followed Pebble toward the shower area. The familiar sounds of running water filled the air, and as soon as they stepped inside, Maeve felt the cool tiles beneath her feet—a welcome relief after the afternoon’s exertion. She carried her boots to the shower stall, setting them aside. Erica grabbed them and took them to the tack room to be clean later.

The warm water poured over Maeve’s sore body, soothing her aching muscles. Beside her, Pebble washed Maeve in silence, her movements calm and measured. For a while, the only sound was the steady rhythm of the shower. Then Erica’s voice broke through the quiet.

“You did well today, Maeve,” Erica said as she leaned against the shower entrance. “You adapt quickly.”

Maeve smiled through the mist. “Thanks. It’s been tough, but I’m getting the hang of it.”

Erica studied Maeve for a moment before speaking again, her tone casual but thoughtful. “Would you like more time to talk to Pebble?”

Maeve blinked in confusion. “How? It’s getting late, and I need to head home soon.”

A small smile tugged at Erica’s lips. “I’ve have permission to let you stay the night here, in Pebble’s stall. She’s allowed to stay up and talk with you until midnight. Then, tomorrow, you’ll be required to tack up and train alongside her all day. If you agree, you’ll be allowed to head home Sunday evening.”