Jesse is outside playing in the backyard when he spots people passing by, and notices something has fallen out of their wagon. He sneaks a peek at a small black horse that appears to be looking right back at him. What a find!
When his mother makes an inquiry about it, Jesse tells her it is a gift from Grandma. He sings the praises of his new acquisition, and allows his mind to conjure daring feats for Wind. Almost caught in his first fib, he tells another. That night, Jesse feels a twinge of regret ... quashed as he and Wind spent a full week together. Each day brings new imagined delight, and a growing love.
The uneasiness becomes more noticeable. A little girl searching with her brother, and a 'lost horse' poster have him hiding behind library shelves. He avoids looking at any other poster. Still, he cannot admit the truth.
"At supper, Jesse found it hard to
swallow the spaghetti he loved.
All evening, his stomach was sore."
After a night filled with disturbing images, Jesse knows exactly what he must do. Hugging Wind for a final time, he passes him through the fence into the arms of the small boy who has been so diligently searching. 'Midnight' goes home.
This is an admirable story, told well and with heart. The pencil-and-watercolor artwork is perfectly suited to the adventure, the joy, and the crisis of conscience. Filled with movement, expression, and a change in chosen colors as Jesse faces the truth in what he has done is very effective.
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