They had to wait until it stepped aside on its own. But even then, it followed the car — step by step, trotting, trying to catch up, until it finally collapsed from exhaustion at the side of the road.

Later, people said the horse remained for a long time in the very spot where it had last been seen. It stood there motionless, without eating or moving, staring into the distance — as if still waiting for its beloved owner to call its name.