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I can’t help but feel a twinge of pride. I may have lost Erin, but at least I’m still making a difference in the world.
“Come on,” Sam says. “Let’s celebrate. I brought beer.”
I hesitate for a moment, but the thought of spending another night alone makes me cave in. “Fine. But just one.”
Sam grins and tosses me a can. We crack them open and lean against the side of the truck, watching the sun set over the fields. A sense of accomplishment unlike any I’ve ever felt fills me.
Fletcher’s Pond is safe. Future generations will get to enjoy it in the same way my friends and I did.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve actually done something worthwhile.
After feeling like this, how am I supposed to wake up tomorrow morning and go back to herding cattle? It just doesn’t make sense.
I take a long swig of beer, considering it.
“Have you talked to Erin?” Sam asks.
“No.” I stare at my boots. For a few minutes there, she wasn’t on my mind at all, and boy did it feel nice.
Sam takes a sip of his beer and smirks at me. “You should.”
I glare at him. “What’s the point?”
“The point is that you obviously still care about her,” he says matter-of-factly. “And who knows, maybe she cares about you too.”
I scoff. “She’s probably moved on already.”
“Have you?” he asks pointedly.
I don’t answer. The truth is, I haven’t. I’ve been stuck in a rut since she left. But what’s the use in trying to win her back? I’m just a rancher, and she’s destined for bigger and better things.
Sam nudges me with his elbow. “C’mon, man. You won’t know until you try.”
I don’t answer. What’s the point?
Finally, he gives up. “I just want to see you happy, Josh. That’s all.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
He studies me. “So whatdoesmake you happy?”
I look at the outbuildings around me, at the land stretched around us in all four directions.
“This is paradise to some people.” I toe a weed.
“And it’s not to you.”
I scrunch up my face. “I feel like a loser because of that.”
Sam shakes his head. “You’re allowed to want more, Josh. It doesn’t make you a loser.”
I nod slowly, taking another swig of beer. “I just don’t know what else there is.”
“Well, what do you love to do?” he asks.
My heart speeds up.
“I want to open an animal sanctuary.” I freeze, waiting for him to laugh at me.
