Malon was perched on a stool in the barn on the far side of the ranch. Her face was one of concentration as she carefully milked the cows one by one. Her laborious task was interrupted by the click of the door, leading to distraction.
"Oh, Laurel, it's only you." she said, relieved. "I thought Mr Ingo had arrived to remind me about dinner."
"Actually, that's why he sent me." Laurel laughed as he hopped onto a crate besides her. "How's it going?"
"Well." Malon answered. "The cows haven't produced this much in months. I can't explain it. Well, I have a theory..."
"Do tell." Laurel smiled with his chin resting on his hands.
"Some say that cows produce more milk when they hear music." she explained. "So sometimes I sing to them. Often, it doesn't make a difference, but recently, they're heavy with milk!"
"Maybe it's a change in the weather?" Laurel suggested as he stepped down to join her.
Eventually, she finished the task and went to stand up, only to find herself face-to-face with his tall masculine figure. Once again, the inevitable happened as the two locked lips.
Unpredicted and sudden, the door clicked open. The pair jumped apart with fright but it was too late: Ingo stood with his bald head boiling and his eyes enflamed.
"What is this?!" he shrieked madly. "Is this what you've been doing all this time? Canoodling away out here while I've been working away? Disgusting!"
He pointed the accusing finger at Laurel.
"You! You are the cause of this! Before you arrived, things were going well! I was kind and generous enough to let you in, and before long, you're up to no good! You came along and led her astray! You are the bane of this ranch! I want you out, out! Grab your things and go! I want you gone before sunset!"
Malon shook with despair, her hands clasped over her mouth. Laurel stood speechless at Ingo's rage, and took the initiative to leave the barn. He stepped out onto the grass, scared and unsure as his new life came crashing down before his eyes.
