“This I can help with.” I begin, using both hands the way he is.
“Be careful. She could start kicking.” On the heels of his comment, he takes a hoof to the side of his calf. Sucking in a breath, he curls his hand into a fist.
“Addler, are you okay?” I stare, horrified, hoping he hasn’t ended up with a broken bone.
“I’ve had worse,” he mutters. But, as he’s pointed out, this is ranch life. “She doesn’t know any better, Elena. She’s just going on instinct.”
We continue, the three of us working as a team, clearing the legs and keeping an eye out for another flailing kick. At this point, I’m glad I only had one of the tacos, or they’d be coming up with all the bending over and scooping. No gym workout I’ve ever tried has been this brutal.
“Let’s try it again,” Addler says, breathless. He takes wide steps, trying to keep his balance as he heads back to the truck. “Get up on the bank.” He directs the instruction to me.
“Over there.” Ezequiel points to an area away from the truck. “You never know what can happen. The cow could kick, or the truck could slide. This way, you’re safe.”
Beyond tired, I drag my feet, toes pointed up, as I struggle to keep my tennis shoes on until I make it to the bank. I can’t imagine how the guys are still going. I’m out of energy and I was the last to pitch in to help.
“Remember to check for snakes!” Addler shouts, ducking into the driver’s seat.
“Oh dear Lord.” I hadn’t even thought of that. Luckily, the area is clear.
Meanwhile, Addler gets the winch going. I cross my fingers, hoping for the best. The cow jerks forward as the cable stretches taut. She moves forward a couple of inches. Wild-eyed, she lifts a leg then flails, looking for solid ground.
“You almost got it,” Ezequiel encourages.
Addler keeps a cautious eye on the winch and, slowly, the poor animal is coming free from the mud.
If I had any energy left, I’d be jumping for joy.