Barnyard Friends

Chapter 5

In the days that followed, Mandy spent the greater part of her time in the sheep corale, curled up by the side of the old ewe.
I knew they were bonding, and never disturbed them if it could be avoided. 
Mandy, I was certain, felt the need for another creature to bond with, as a second mother. And I was almost as certain that the old ewe sensed this, and was acting accordingly. 
She never snubbed my puppy, and was always willing to spend her entire afternoon in one spot, with the little puppy nestled close beside her.
But while I knew they were bonding, I could not help but worry at the puppy's spending so much time inactive. Sure, the ewe was old, and could not run and play. But why had Mandy chosen her, and not one of the younger ewes? Did the old ewe need her, more than Mandy needed a "mother"? 

One morning, about a month after the arrival of the sheep, I noticed Mandy walking slowly away from the corale with a dejected air. I watched her, panic growing in my heart. 
After she was out of sight, I hurried to the corale. My heart sank at the sight. The old ewe was dead. 
I climbed over the bars and knelt beside her, examining her body. Despite the sadness I felt in my heart, I felt a certain relief when the examination was over, for I had found no wounds. Plainly, Mandy had had nothing to do with her death.
I hurried off to find Papa. As soon as he heard the news, he rushed off to the corale, and I to find Mandy. I had to find her.

I searched the farm over, and every corner of the barn, but no Mandy! Where could she be?