A Barn

Setting: A Barn.

Timeframe: Approximately 1999. The Boy, who is 4, in preschool, is so delicious and sweet that it hurts me to think about it now and I are standing in a barn while a mother cow is struggling to give birth to her calf. The farmer man and a veterinarian are helping her by attempting to turn the calf. Finally, the front hooves of the calf slip out.

The boy stares in wonder.

Me: This is how all babies are born.

The Boy: Even ME?

Me: Even you.

The Boy: Did it hurt much?

Me: It hurts a LOT. But it's a good hurt. Because then the Mama gets her Baby.

The Boy: No. I mean…When they tied your head to the post?