I feel ridiculous.
Placing the bucket under her udder, I grip her teat and gently pull down, expecting milk to flow like rain from the heavens, but all I get is an irritated moo from the cow.
“Well,” I say, looking at the teat in my hand. “That was very anticlimactic. I hope it was good for you.”
Ella’s magical laughter hints at the fact that I look as ridiculous as I feel. “Move out of the way before you hurt yourself.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
Rising from the stool, I watch as she climbs over the railing, suddenly looking at home. Tying her hair into a bun with the elastic around her wrist, she sits and gently pats the cow’s side.
“Hey, girl. I’m Ella.”
The cow moos and attempts to move away.
“Shh, shh, I know. I’m a stranger, and that’s scary, but I won’t hurt you. I promise,”
