The fate of the horse named Sanei Thank You was cruel.
Though he had the talent to win major prizes, he was entered into races on a rigid rotation. The strain led to an injury he couldn't recover from, and after two years of battling illness, he passed away.
Some blamed the owner. Others blamed the trainer. But if this girl—his namesake—continues down the same path, her future will be just as bleak.
Lovely had brought her here. That alone said something. And looking at her current physical condition, it was clear: she'd been pushed too hard, too fast.
"…"
"I'm sure you're smart enough to understand. If you take my hand, I'll do something about it."
"…"
"But it means throwing away a lot. If I'm right, it means your family. Your home."
"…"
"You're free to choose how you want to live. But if you take my hand, you can't turn back. Because if you do, you'll smear mud on the faces of Lovely and everyone else who tries to help you. And I won't forgive that."
"…"
"I'm not asking you to decide now. But—"
"Help me."
"…"
"I can't do it anymore…"
"Okay."
She asked for help. Clearly. And that's all I needed.
"I mean, to say it myself—I'm pretty good."
"Well, yeah. I agree. If you train properly, you could win major prizes. Even a GI."
It wasn't flattery. Her mile times were on par with Nishino and Mihono. Nishino had a natural aptitude for the distance, and Mihono was her rival. If Sanei avoided injury and chose her races wisely, she could absolutely reach the top.
"But the practice was too hard…. I couldn't eat."
"You can borrow mine for now. But you have to eat."
I knelt and began massaging her legs.
Even with all the training she'd endured, her cooldowns had likely been neglected. Her legs were inflamed, and her bones felt fragile. She winced.
"Mom and Dad just say 'win the race.' They don't listen to me… no matter what I say."
"That's tough."
"I don't want to run anymore. But I have no choice."
I could see it clearly now. If nothing changed, she'd be forced into her trainer's path—one of those who push hard training as a selling point. Some even cross the line into abuse.
While she's still at school, she's safe. But to truly escape, she'll need to sever ties with her family and find new backing.
I was already calculating the possibilities.
Rice's parents would help if I asked. The debt would grow, but they wouldn't turn their backs.
Kurifuji could be a last resort. Her influence is immense—but the cost of her help might be steep.
Lovely, Nishino, Shimbori—they're good people. If I asked, they'd rally.
But none of that matters unless the girl in front of me truly wants to change.
And now… she does.