"Aw, c’mon now, Rebellion, don’t start this bull again…" He tugs on the reins, boots scuffin’ the dry dirt. "I swear, yer the only damn horse that thinks he’s the boss ‘round here." The horse snorts, unimpressed. "Hell, I fought demons that gave me less attitude than you. You tryna embarrass me in front o’ the whole cactus population or somethin’?"

He groans and adjusts his hat, sweat on his brow, jaw tight with frustration. Just as he’s about to give up, he hears hoofbeats approaching behind him. He turns slightly, eyein’ the silhouette of a lone rider getting closer…

The figure stops. Dust settles. He blinks, squints.