Missing Goat

Prologue

Disappearance

Scene [1]

Missing Goat

    Ships, planes, people and pets can sometimes just disappear.  When the Gods choose to conceal, it can be nigh permanent.  If by human design, though, something gets overlooked: a clue is left, a friend is told, fate steps in.  Many a criminal, even with meticulous plans to hide, is caught by accident.

Younger Farm, Provolt, OR
1982/06/07 07:30-08:00
    “There were only eight goats in the pen when I did the milking this morning.  Where’s that white one with the black ears?” Cyrus asked his wife.

    Cathy put down the bowl she was mixing pancake batter in and said, “Oreo is missing?”

    “Only six females and the two males.”

    “What you specifically wish me to do?  Go out and round up the critter before breakfast?”

    “Well, if you’d paid attention last night, we might not have to go find it before the coyotes do.”

    “It's just wondering around the Top 20.  She knows where her stall is.”

    “You've played with goats for 40 years, and still think they're smart enough to find their way home?”

    “Yep.”

    “Cathy, goats have zero between their horns.  Nothing.  If you don't chase them back to the barn every night, they'd be in Grants Pass in a week.”

    “I know goats.  You’re no goat herder.  I’ll take care of the goats.”

    “Well, you’d better.”

    “Oh, make your own breakfast,” she said taking off her apron.  “I’ll go find the darn goat,” and stormed out of the room.

    “What’s the matter with Mom?” Will said, coming into the kitchen.

    “Damned if I know.”

    “What’d you say?”

    “I just asked about a goat.  Now she’s all ticked off.  Must be the ‘change’ she’s going through.”

    ”Change?  What change?”

    “Ah... Oh... Will, never mind.”


Pages:      2
Words:    291