The Master's Farm — Episode 13: The Cows

César finally moved. He grabbed Miguel’s collar tightly, pulling him forward. Miguel crawled behind him clumsily, feeling the cold ground under his hands and knees. They arrived at the corral door. César let go of the collar and stood there, staring at the closed door. Miguel waited, trembling.

César spoke in a muted voice, without turning to look at him:

—Inside there are your companions. When you go in, they’re going to know you signed the black contract. They’re going to know what you did. And they’re going to know what awaits them because of your fault.

Miguel felt a knot in his throat.

—Get ready —César continued—. Because what comes after tonight… is going to be worse than you imagine.

He paused.

—And get them ready too.

He opened the door. The inside of the corral was barely lit by a hanging lamp. Three figures moved when they heard the sound of the door. César shoved Miguel inside. Miguel fell to his knees. The door closed behind him. And César left.

Miguel slowly raised his eyes. The three cows were looking at him: One, Two and Three. Their faces showed worry and discouragement. Because if Miguel was there, it meant he had signed the black contract. Miguel said nothing. He did not know what to say. He felt empty, defeated and guilty. The three cows slowly came closer and then, without saying a word, they hugged him. One wrapped his arms around him from one side, Two from the other, and Three knelt in front of him, stroking his back.

—It’s okay —murmured One in a soft voice—. You’re not alone. We’re with you.

Two nodded:

—Yes… we all make mistakes. The important thing is that you’re here now.

Three smiled slightly, trying to lighten the mood.

—Besides, now that you’re officially here, we can do things together. You know… so you don’t feel so alone —he winked at him mischievously—. And with that ass of yours, I assure you there will be no shortage of people who want to be close.

Miguel pressed his lips together, feeling tears beginning to form in his eyes. And then he broke down. He cried inconsolably, trembling in the arms of the three cows. They all tensed, worried. Three became alarmed:

—Hey, hey! Did I say something wrong? I’m sorry if I was imprudent, I just wanted to—

Miguel stopped him, shaking his head violently.

—No… that’s not it…

He was sobbing so much he could barely speak.

—Please… forgive me… please… —he repeated those words over and over, in a broken voice.

One frowned, uneasy.

—Miguel… what happened?

Miguel tried to speak but the words got stuck:

—I… I didn’t want to… I’m so sorry…

Two grabbed him by the shoulders, forcing him to look at him.

—What was it that you went through? Tell us.

Miguel sque...