Chasing Companions

Epilogue

 The cows sit peacefully in the field and chew the loads of grass in their mouths. A large bull wanders through the maze of females. A slight breeze picks up and a familiar scent tickles his nose. He calls to all the other cattle and the rest of the herd rises from the ground and stares in the same direction, toward a small hill at the edge of the field. Suddenly three objects, two large and brown and the other small and black, rise and fall over the crest of the hill and run toward the herd.

The herd begins to run as a loud crack fills the air. The small black object races faster and is suddenly at the heels of the cows, nipping and barking. The sudden chaos is a daily routine for the cows, being lead as one brown object gallops to the front of the herd, it's cow like body being carried on it's swift and graceful legs. The second brown blob stays at the side of the herd, forcing the cows into a tight group.

A large structure grows in the distance, it's red sides glowing like the sun. Dust fills the eyes of the cows, horses, and small Border Collie as they all race into a large corral made of wooden posts and old bail wire. Cows wail as the large bodies are pushed together, but just for the night. Their master, the cowboys, lock the gate behind the large bull.

As the dust settles, the two men lead their horses into the small barn and unsaddle them. The dog lingers near the cow pen, but slinks to the house after long day. The two men, after a few minutes, follow the dogs choices and head to their home. As they step into the back door, a wave of sweet aromas comes to greet them at the door. A short middle aged woman stands at a stove, stirring a long wooden spoon in a pot. Hearing the the door close, she turns and smiles at her husband and son.

"Hello boys! How was your ride?" She raises the pot from the stove and sets it on the table between them. The contents steam and the windows of the room fog up. They all sit down and give grace. The boy eats very slowly. This will be the last meal he eats with his family.

He thinks of how life will be without them, starting tomorrow morning. In 2153, 15 years ago, the king of America had huge schools built in Alaska. Every student, when they reach the age of sixteen, must go to one of these schools. There, they will learn as if at a normal school. But, after the first quarter, the students are tested. Those who pass the test are given the chance to earn a Genetically Modified life partner. Then they will be shipped off to a randomly selected state and will never see their family again. Other than the part that the government is ripping families apart, the plan is truly simple.

"Is there anything you would like to say to us before you leave?" His mother suddenly speaks up. She has tears in her eyes.

"Yes. I would like you to know that I will always think that you make the best Pasta." the group laugh. "But, on the serious side, I am really going to miss you."

Suddenly, the back door swings open and the horse trainer walks in. He is a strange man. He was always shirtless and wore nothing but overalls and boots. He often told awful jokes, the most often one being that the reason he couldn't keep a girlfriend was because he was so hairy. His front tooth was chipped, thus he spoke with a lisp.

He suddenly put a hand on Glade's shoulder. "Just wanted you to know that I am going to miss you. Good luck." With that, he walks out the door.

When dinner is over, Glade gives his parents tight hugs, then climbs upstairs into bed. After a few hours, his eyes finally close, as if his sadness weighs them down.