Absurd Girl

Peter wanted nothing more than to help his father. So every day, he did as he was told and stood guard over the family’s flock of sheep. Tall and straight, Peter stood at the top of the field, watching, watching, watching. Waiting for what? He wasn’t sure. Peter figured he’d know it when he saw it. 

One day, a wolf came to Peter and said, “Why, little boy, what wonderful sheep you have. I wonder if I may take a bite?” 

Now, Peter was a clever boy and thought this might be a trick. He knew that wolves sometimes liked to steal sheep, but this wolf was so polite. What could the harm be in one little bite?

So Peter smiled at the wolf and said, “Why, of course, Mr. Wolf. It can’t hurt if you take just one bite. Our sheep are strong and good, and you asked nicely, after all.”

The wolf scanned the field of sheep carefully and selected one sheep. He took a little bite. The sheep bleated, but Peter thought this was to be expected, and waved to the wolf as he went on his way. 

A few days later, the wolf returned. He found Peter at his post, waiting, waiting, waiting. Watching for something. He’d know it when he saw it, of that he was sure. 

“Oh, hello Mr. Wolf,” Peter said. “Are you here for another bite?”

“But of course, young shepherd,” said the wolf. “It’s been several days, and I’m hungry once more.”

Peter waved at the herd, giving the wolf his pick. And again, the wolf took a bite, just a small one, and the sheep bleated. Peter smiled and went back to his post. 

On the last day of the week, the wolf returned. But Peter was nowhere to be found. The wolf circled the hill and the field, searching high and low for Peter and his sheep. 

As hours passed, and the sun began to sink low, there was still no Peter. No sheep. The wolf was hungry. He had eaten so well these past few days, but the fields were empty. The hilltop was deserted.

And so the wolf left and returned to his woods.

There are always more shepherds to be found in the fields.