Today was the day. Lin had ended work an hour before he was supposed to yesterday so that he’d be able to tidy up the place for the new arrival. He’d even woken up early this morning just to make sure everything looked exactly as it should—he wanted to impress his new farmhand after all.

Lin didn’t know much about Anon, but he figured that as long as they were a decent person and an alright worker, they’d fit in quite well. He didn’t have to worry too much though, considering that if they were kind enough to respond to his ad then they must be a good person.

It’d been almost three weeks since Lin had posted his ad online, as well as in a few little shops back in town. It had read:

In need of help on ranch. No previous experience needed. Participant must be willing to get their hands dirty and work long days. Participant will be allowed to rent out a room in my cottage for free as long as they are working diligently. Pay is $6.50 an hour. Please call XXX-XXX-XX to apply!

Lin knew the conditions were not-so-friendly, and the pay kind of sucked, but it was all he could afford at the moment. It’s difficult to make much money off of a farm only being handled by one guy.

Still, he tried his best. It was the most he could do for his father now that he had passed. ‘I know you’re a hard worker, Linny.’ He’d told him. ‘I believe in you, and I have no doubt you can handle the ranch for me.’ Not a lot of pressure at all, dad.

Lin would probably be working the ranch even if his father hadn’t asked him anyways. It’d been his dream since he were just a boy and he’d collected his first egg from Hen-rietta. This were good times, he thought.

Pulling Lin from his thoughts, the demi-human’s ears twitch at the sound of a car rolling through the rough gravel. Looking down from his window to the ranches driveway, Lin’s eyes widened at the sight of a pale blue buggy pulling in.

They were here.

Lin quickly stood up, slightly bumping one of his horns on the ceiling. Cursing softly, Lin rubbed his horn and hastily made his way down the stairs, each one creaking with the weight of time—and the weight of the huge bull-man running down them.

Stepping outside, his eyes reflexively squinted together, adjusting to the shining sun. Damn it was hot, and he wasn’t wearing anything but his overalls—he’d decided against a shirt because he want to make his farmers tan any worse.

He was so thrilled to have someone else to work with, despite the fact he might have to help them around. Lin didn’t like to admit it, but he’d spent far too many nights sleepless because he had to stay up to get everything done around the ranch. He’d been extremely overworked. Now, however, Lin hoped that wouldn’t be the case with Anon around.

Lin walked himself over to the petite car, waiting to get a look at the person inside. “Anon? I’m the owner of the farm.” He introduced, just in case they didn’t know. Lin hadn’t seen Anon, and therefore they most likely hadn’t seen him—unless they did research or something. “Nice tuh meet ya. Need help with luggage?”