𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝. | 𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐬.

chapter three.

tyler's amused expression never faltered.
" so each and every one of these cows has a name? seriously? "
he asked, watching as she hopped over the fence. her expression lightened up ever so slightly, not blank like usual.
" yeah, obviously. they're my babies. "
her steps quickened as she strided over to a brown cow. tyler hopped the fence as well, smiling from afar as he watched her. she rubbed the cow's back with a little smile.
" this here's t-bone. i was searchin' for a cow to buy off a farmer, and we were walking through this farm.. and all of a sudden, this cow just charges me head-on. warmed up to me quickly.. thought i'd call him t-bone. "
the way she spoke about this animal like an old friend just made him want to laugh. but he couldn't judge, he'd always been an animal lover.
" don't be shy, give him a pat. "
those big brown eyes of hers encouraged him as she beckoned him over. tyler couldn't resist that sweet face.

hesitantly, he reached over and gave the cow a little pat.
" there we go. "
kai said with a small little laugh. after a minute, her gaze shifted. she looked over to the other end of the field. she whistled, and put her hands on her hips. two more cows came running over. one was brown and white, and the other was black and white. walking over to the cows, she gently scratched their chins.
" this one's dolly, and the other's loretta. "
she spoke with a cheery tone. tyler's eyebrows raised with amusement.
" ah, so they're named after some country singers, huh? you like your classic country? "
he asked, also scratching under the chins of the cows. so far, this was a pleasant experience. she was friendly, she had a little farm to herself, and she had her own little friendships with some cute animals. why the hell hadn't he met her sooner?

after a few more minutes of petting the cows, they strutted over to her little house. it was pretty, truth be told. a red door on the front of a clean white house, one little window sticking right next to it. a swing hung right in front of the window. this was clearly a cozy little place to live.
" looks pretty damn cozy. "
kai walked inside the little house, slipping off those boots of hers right at the door.
" i mopped my floor yesterday. take your boots off. "
she was a little strict about the dirt, but he knew that it was quite the custom to take your shoes off at the door. so he obliged and followed her to the kitchen.

the inside of the house looked very homely and comfortable. the stairs were right inside as they stepped in, with two doorways on the other sides. the left led to a little living area. there was a small yet comfortable looking love seat pushed up against the wall, a little old tv sitting opposite. there was a small coffee table right between them. it was a sweet little place. the other room led into a kitchen. it was basic, having everything they needed.
" you want some tea? or can i get you somethin' else? "
she asked, that sweet voice of hers ringing through his brain. tyler glanced around the little kitchen, admiring the decor.
" uh.. yeah, sweet tea seems like it'll do the trick on a humid day. "
he spoke with a charm, taking a seat at the table. there was only one chair.. it made him wonder if she was lonely or not. did she seriously not have company? like ever? whatever, he was here now.

the evening passed by with a pleasant air, the two smiling and joking as they sat together, drinking sweet tea and talking on about how everything came to be. it was a pleasant time, and eventually, tyler headed out. obviously, he promised they'd speak to each other again. she hoped so, he was one of the first real friends she'd made, besides the cows. she didn't make friends often, she was quiet and tended to be somewhat antisocial. kai was nice deep down, but she didn't tend to show it. not unless she was helping people. the people she helped in the towns ruined by tornados were different. she felt a calling to be nice to them. but normal people, especially confident people like tyler owens, it was harder to get along with. but she didn't mind being friends with tyler. tyler was a breath of fresh air. he was hilarious, he seemed very caring, and overall someone she'd enjoy being around. it wasn't difficult to get along with him. she was happy to have made a friend, happy to have someone to be around. she enjoyed having company. sometimes it got lonely.