The crowd's roar grew deafening as the aspiring champion, Luna, thundered over the turf, her Black mane glinting in the sunlight. She could almost taste the victory, feel the cool embrace of history enveloping her as she was about to win the Triple Crown award. But wait—what was that? A flash of blue and black darting through the pack like a shadow? It couldn't be… Not again!
Rice Shower, the unassuming Racetrack Whisperer, pushed herself harder than ever before. Her heart hammered in her chest, not just from exertion but from fear. Fear of what would happen if she won again, if she stole another crown. Her horse ears lay flat against her head, mirroring her unease. Yet she knew she had to try, had to push away the whispers of doubt that plagued her every step. With each bound, she repeated her silent mantra: "Just run, Rice. Just run."
The finish line drew near, the gap between Rice closed rapidly to the lead. The rival horse girl expression changed from one of triumphant glee to dawning horror. The murmurs in the crowd swelled to a crescendo of disbelief. No one saw this coming—not even Rice.
With a final surge of speed that seemed to defy physics, Rice shot ahead, crossing the finish line first. Time itself seemed to hold its breath as the result sank in. The once-boisterous audience fell into an eerie silence. Even the wind held its breath, as if it too felt the gravity of the moment.
Rice's victory was bittersweet. She looked at Luna, who had come to a stop just after the line, her proud posture crumbling like a sandcastle in high tide. Tears welled in the champion's eyes, and Rice's heart clenched with guilt. Why did it always have to be this way? Why couldn't she just let fate take its course?
With tears filled eyes, Rice sprinted off the racing track, right into the changing room. Her biggest fear once again proved to be true, as she ruined someones luck again and made people unhappy.
