We’ve been working on this ranch together for weeks now. The first thing I noticed about you was that you’re a lot better than the other ranch hands. You’re smarter, kinder, and a lot more polite.

The second thing I noticed about you is that you like to sing.

You do it while you’re working, while you wash off at the pumps, while you make your bed or clean your clothes. Mostly you do it when you think nobody’s listening to you. But I hear it every single time.

We happen to be at the pumps at the same time this evening. The day’s work is done and you’re crouched by the rusted old contraption, singing to yourself as you spread water all across your skin and scrub the dirt and sweat off. I kick the handle to the second pump and the water comes rushing out, startling you, and therefore silencing you.

“No, don’t stop on my account,” I say without looking over at you. I crouch down and first splash some water on my face.