Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Ellis
My nighttime routine is the same as it always is, but something feels off.
After checking on the barn animals one last time, I do my usual thing.
I make hot cocoa and sit on the porch and enjoy the cloudless Montana night sky. The moon is high, and Orion, the original cowboy, is showing off his giant belt.
The cows, goats, and chickens are stirring and rustling, settling in for the night. The air is chilly, and the rocking chair my grandpa made is as comfortable as always.
Sitting alone after spending all day working the farm is usually my favorite time. It helps me think about what I did right and what I did wrong. I sleep better when I have my rituals.
But tonight, nothing about this pleasant night feels right.
It makes no sense because I’m used to spending every waking moment alone.
After one day with Louisa, everything is turned upside down.
Leaning against the post, I sip my cocoa, but it’s not the same.
I set it down on the railing and examine this strange feeling of discontent.
I should cut back on the brownie sundaes, probably because I think it’s giving me heartburn. That must be it.
I rub my chest and wonder if this is my life now. I’m thirty years old, and I have to start eating healthier.
It’s probably the stress. Sure, the farm is stressful every day, but today was especially stressful with having to teach Louisa everything.
She’s a hard worker, but she stumbled and got frustrated with herself before figuring things out. I found myself just wanting to do everything for her, but she proved me to be a bit of a micromanager.
Maybe Wylie’s right. I should have more help around the farm. I should slow down and hire a couple of people and really take the time to plan things out instead of putting out fires.
The silence is uncomfortable now. What will the silence be like when I have less to do?
Feeling lost, I head to bed. Tomorrow is Wylie’s wedding, and that’s something to look forward to.
It’s then that I realize that what I’m looking forward to most is not the wedding. But that Louisa will be there.