The tractor slows to a stop near the calf shelters groaning against the clutch.“Click” the door pops open. Grasping the green side bar I bound down the tractor steps. 

I scan the pasture over the bales and spot the psycho black brockle-faced cow in the sea of cows.

 “Let’s get this done fast,” I mumble. Snaking my hand into my pocket grabbing my yellow exacto knife, “shling kerr” the twine cuts nice and even, easy to pull off the bale. One down, one more to go! I slice the twine down the length of the other bale. 

“Broom” the tractor jerks forward to move the bale to the feeder… dang psycho cows coming psycho cows coming! Run! I dart toward the tractor… BAM! Crunch! “Oww!” Pain everywhere, tire on my leg. I’m being dragged……………… 

The tire’s off, it’s over, am I ok? Wait, psycho cow! Stand up Piper! 

Think fast…call Ava, dragging my hand down my body, I yank my phone out. “Brrring … Brrrring.” Voicemail.  “You’ve reached…” Hang up.

Tears start. “Drip, drip, drip.” The cows huddle in closer, curious.  “If she gets me, she gets me,” I think,  I can’t do anything. I’m ok, breath… What are 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste… 

Ava sees, she’s coming.  I’m ok, I’m not dying, I can wiggle my toes. Lesson learned: watch for cows around tractors.