Iza was finally going to get out of the quiet seaside town of Port Haring when she left for school tomorrow. No more boring days working at her Dad’s shop, The Tin Shed, while everyone else got to have fun. Sometimes it felt like she was in prison the way he kept her on lock down, but soon it would be her turn. She would travel to Paris and study under some of the world’s most renowned chefs. Her passport had arrived, everything was packed and she was ready to go. All that remained was for her to say goodbye to her best friend, Luca.
It was after dark and the stores closed. Tourists didn’t go antique shopping after sunset; it was just too creepy. She disagreed. Even though she lacked enthusiasm for the job, there were many pieces in her dad’s collection that she loved. The old carousel horse was her favorite. She prayed every day that no one would buy it. No one ever did. She suspected that it was because it looked as if it was in agony with a mouth gaping in a silent cry, dull black eyes, scuffed hooves and peeling paint.
She and Luca had made a special trip to retrieve it from an old abandoned amusement park. The inland town was nearly four hours away but it was worth it. Her dad hadn’t been pleased about them sneaking away. Luca also harbored reservations about going, but Iza had insisted. It was her dad’s birthday, after all, and he deserved something unique. Despite its creepiness, the horse always seemed to be the center of conversation whenever tourists were around.
Resting her head on the counter, she watched the horse. Its unblinking eyes looked back in sadness and for a moment she felt sorry for it. Iza frowned, letting her eyes slip shut and her thoughts drift. When she opened them again it was sunrise.
Turning to look at the horse, her smile twisted and her mouth opened. Its eyes burned red with fire and an angry accusing glare. Her screams shattered the morning stillness.
“Thorazine, now!” Someone shouted. Her arm stung. The liquid was like lava in her veins. A tear rolled down her cheek. Someone grasped her hand. Iza strained to see who it was.
“Daddy?” Her voice was hoarse. Her eyelids drooped. She willed her gaze to stay on him. “Where am I, where’s Luca?”
“Oh honey,” He held her hand and leaned down to kiss her forehead. His voice cracked as he looked away. “You and Luca were drinking. You were driving and there was an accident. You and that damn horse were thrown out of the truck.”
“I want to see him, where is he?” Her lip trembled.
“I’m sorry sweetheart, but he didn’t make it...”
The chemicals were winning, pushing her eyes closed. Her body was heavy and the voices in the room were distorted. She heard her dad. He sounded miles away speaking to the doctor.
“It’s been five years, she’s never getting out of here... is she?”
