Bob and Bill are two racehorses....

Bob and Bill are two racehorses who have raced together for many years. They have kept each other company and been best best friends for all that time. But lately, Bill's performance has been worsening, and he rarely wins a race.

Bob and Bill's owner comes into the stable to have a chat with Bill. "Bill," he says, "times are tough on my ranch. You have done well for me so many times, so it pains me to say this, but unless you win one of the next three races, I'll have to sell you. If I can find another trainer, I will, but if not, it'll be the glue factory for you. Think about it, and do your best in the races."

With that he leaves. Bob is shocked. He turns to Bill and says, "what are you going to do?"

"I'll do the best I can, but my strongest competition out there is going to be you," says Bill. "Please, show your old friend some kindness and help me out?"

"Of course, old friend," says Bob.

The next Saturday is the day of the August race. The sun is shining brightly. The women are wearing bright sun dresses and white hats, while the men have rolled up their shirtsleeves. A gentle breeze blows over the track as the race is about to begin.

And they're off! Bob and Bill are in the thick of the pack. Bill moves steadily upwards, followed by Bob. At the first turn, Bill emerges in the lead! His heart is racing, his breathing is heavy, his jockey is whipping swiftly. But then, Bob pulls up close behind. He gallops and easily overtakes his friend at the last turn. At the end of the race, Bob wins by three lengths.

At the stable that evening, the owner comes back. "That was a good effort Bill," he says, "but not good enough. I will give you two more chances, though, to prove you have what it takes to win. Good luck." He leaves.

Bill turns to Bob. "What happened?" he asks. "I thought we had an agreement."

"I'm sorry, Bill," says Bob. "I don't know what came over me. The excitement of the race, the crowds cheering. I promise next time, you will win."

Then the time comes for the Saturday of the September race. The sun is hidden behind scattered clouds. The women are wearing grey dresses and clutching their hats against the wind, while the men wear light jackets. A chilly breeze blows over the track as the race is about to begin.

And they're off! Bob and Bill are in the back of the pack. Bill struggles to maintain his position. At the first turn, Bill begins to pull up. At the last turn, Bill emerges in the lead! His heart is pounding, he gasps for air, his jockey is whipping fervently. But then, Bob pulls up behind once again. He thunders ahead and eventually overtakes Bill in the final stretch. At the end of the race, Bob wins by one length.

At the stable that evening, the owner comes back. "That was another great effort Bill," he says, "but not great enough. I will give you one more chance, though, to prove you have what it takes to win. Good luck." He leaves.

Bill turns to Bob. "What happened?" he asks. "It can't be a coincidence, to happen twice like that."

"I'm sorry, Bill," says Bob. "I don't know what came over me. The thrill of the race, the crowds roaring. I wouldn't do this to you on purpose, please believe me."

"I believe you," says Bill.

Then the time comes for the Saturday of the October race. The sky is completely overcast, and dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. The women are wearing heavy coats and carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the light rain, while the men are weaing long trenchcoats. A strong gust blows over the track as the race is about to begin.

And they're off! Bob and Bill are in the rear of the pack. Bill falls behind, trailing behind the pack. He musters all his strength, throwing his hooves forward with all his might. "I can do this, I must!" At the first turn, he reaches the middle of the pack! At the last turn, he is in the lead! His heart is throbbing, his lungs are burning, his jockey is whipping angrily. Every muscle is sore and struggling. But then, in the final stretch, Bob pulls up behind for a final time. He gallops ferociously barely overtakes Bill at the finishing line. At the end of the race, Bob wins by a nose.

At the stable that day, the owner comes back. "That was an amazing effort Bill, the best I have ever seen," he says, "but not amazing enough. I cannot keep a horse that cannot win a race. Tonight, you will be taken away." He leaves.

Bill turns to Bob, but no words come to his lips. He is overcome with emotion. He looks back on his long career, and his many wins. He wants to be angry at Bob, but he can't be. He is proud of his friend and protege for winning three races, and knows that Bob will go on to great things. But he is filled with sadness that he will not be there to experience them with his friend. His time with Bob, and perhaps, his life, are at an end.

Just then, one of the ranch dogs enter the stable. He looks up at Bill. "Bill," he says, "we just heard what happened. What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," says Bill. The dog, whose attention span is short, wanders off.

Then Bill, at last, knows what to say. He turns to Bob and says, "holy shit, did you see that? A talking dog!"