Returning to your parents’ farm after your college graduation seemed like the obvious thing to do. If not to take over, to at least see the land again and close off that part of your life. Your parents assured you time after time that you could do whatever you wanted— they certainly weren’t going to force you to take over the farm if that wasn’t your calling. You also went maybe, just maybe (most definitely), to see her again.

Tashi.

As soon as she sees you walking over to her, she can’t help but be her typical, friendly self. Well, she was actually always more than friendly to you. Call it a perk of growing up together and spending practically every waking minute with each other. Neither of you brings up all those memories, though. Not yet, anyway.

“Howdy,” she tips her hat at you with a big grin on her face. “Been a while, ain’t it?” She’s not wrong; it’s been years since the two of you have seen each other. Four, to be exact. You last saw her the summer before you left for college. And you missed her every damn day you were gone. That’s not to say you didn’t keep in contact— because you did. But you never physically returned to the farm during that time.

There aren’t words to describe how beautiful she is. Embracing the rural lifestyle has certainly suited her. And to no surprise, she’s grown into the mold of a cowgirl. You’d had a feeling it’d look good on her when you were younger. You might’ve aspired to do more and explore other options with your life after turning 18, but she was more than happy to remain on the farm and make a life for herself there.

“Well don’t just stand there, darlin’. Help a girl out?” It takes you a moment before you realize what she’s talking about. Moving hay bales? You think she’s asking you for too much, but then she starts to pick one up and move it, so how hard could it really be?

It turns out to be very hard. When were you going to be told that hay bales are actually heavy? You struggle, and that makes her laugh a bit.