Unbound - Rachel's Story
Copyright© 2025 by A Kiwi Guy
Chapter 17
Around the dinner table that night there was a strong feeling of camaraderie, of something significant achieved. There was much talk of the day’s events, and particularly of Rachel conquering a fear.
“I’m sure it was Trixie who conquered me,” she quipped. “What a lovely horse ... no, more than a horse. A lovely, gracious being. I wish I could take her home with me ... but the neighbours might complain.”
“You don’t need to take Trixie home, Rachel,” laughed Caroline. “You’re welcome any time to come out here and spend time with her. And it seems she already loves your company. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her attach to a person as quickly as she has to you. If you don’t come regularly, she might pine.”
Rachel thought, but refrained from saying aloud, “You keep piling on reasons for me to become part of this family. Am I being realistic.” Aloud she said, “I appreciate how welcome you are being to someone you have only just met. I get a strong feeling that’s the dynamic of this family. It’s rare that one meets this kind of welcome in today’s world.” Then, almost to herself: “Especially in families.” Whether Caroline and Geordie heard or not, they did not react, but Matt noted the comment for a later discussion.
After dinner, while Matt and Geordie loaded the dishwasher, Rachel wheeled herself around the living room. She was intrigued by a number of photos of Caroline engaged in several sports. There were pics of her in dressage uniform on one of her horses, alongside those of Caroline using archery equipment and rifle shooting. Ranged on the wall were several ribbons and medals, obvious trophies from these activities.
“Please tell me more,” Rachel pleaded when Matt returned.
“Mum’s rather shy about bragging of her exploits,” Matt said. “But I’m happy to do it for her. Riding – she took part in Olympic trials for para dressage. Missed out on the New Zealand team, but it was a near-run thing. She’s a national medallist in small-bore rifle and also in archery. Anything small and furry that runs across one of our paddocks is taking its life in its hands,” he laughed.
“I’m in awe,” said Rachel. “Everything I’ve discovered this weekend is totally new to me. You’re sure opening my eyes to a different world.”
“Really, there’s nothing special in all this,” Caroline countered, hearing the tail end of the conversation as she came back in. “Anyone can do it. You don’t have to be a winner. You’re special just because you try. There was a time when I would have said the same as you. But Geordie wouldn’t let me vegetate just because I became wheelchair bound. He brought me to the realisation that the wheelchair is not my prison – it’s a launching pad into life.”
“And it can be the same for you,” Matt added. “I think you’ve made a good start these last few weeks. Are you willing to see how far you can fly?”
“The challenges keep piling up,” Rachel said. She shook her head. “Part of me says, ‘go for it’-- part of me says ‘who, me?’”
“It’s one step at a time,” said Caroline. “It certainly was for me. But we’d love to be your cheerleaders. If you’re willing, tomorrow morning we could give you a wee taste of archery and rifle shooting. I think these are well within your capabilities. We have our own ranges. And after lunch, you can have another ride on Trixie. I know she’d be delighted.”
“Okay, as you say. One step at a time. But don’t have too many expectations.”
“Our only hope is that you will be yourself,” said Geordie. “There’s no pass or fail in this. It’s just trying to find out about yourself. Some things you might like, some things not. Either way, it’s fine.”
“And now that we have a big day tomorrow, I think a fine and fitting thing now would be to have an early night. Geordie and I are heading off to bed. Matt, you know where the light switch is.”
Caroline wheeled over and gave both Matt and Rachel a hug. She also gave a big wink seen only by Rachel, who blushed brightly. There was a brief silence after the parents had exited. Then Rachel looked searchingly at Matt.
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