Bull Truths and Dog Eared Secrets

The summer air at Miller's Ranch smelled like hay, heat, and secrets. Sixteen-year-old Marcus leaned against the fence, watching—okay, basically spying—on Jasmine from the neighboring property. She was perfect in that terrifying way popular girls are, all confidence and crop tops, while Marcus was just the ranch help with hay in his hair and zero game.

"You're being creepy again," his sister Tasha called from the porch. "She's literally just walking her dog."

"I'm observing," Marcus corrected, though his face heated. "It's called reconnaissance."

Jasmine's golden retriever—Barnaby, because apparently rich people gave dogs human names—bolted toward their fence. The dog slipped through a gap in the woodwork and made a beeline for something behind the barn.

"Barnaby!" Jasmine shouted, sprinting over in designer sneakers that were definitely not made for chasing dogs.

Marcus's heart did that embarrassing fluttery thing. This was it. His chance. He pushed off the fence—

And slammed right into his uncle's prize bull, Ferdinand. The massive animal stared at him with something like judgment.

"Whoa, easy there, big guy," Marcus said, backing away slowly. "We're cool. We're vibing."

Ferdinand huffed.

"Marcus!" Jasmine's voice. "Did you see where—oh." She stopped, breathless. "Is that a bull?"

"Ferdinand," Marcus managed, praying his voice didn't crack. "He's mostly gentle. Unless you're red. Are you wearing red?"

Jasmine laughed, and Marcus died a little. But like, in a good way. "Help me find Barnaby?"

They found the dog twenty minutes later behind the equipment shed, proudly guarding something—Jasmine's missing phone, covered in drool.

"I've been looking everywhere for this," she said, wiping it off. "How'd you even know?"

"Barnaby's basically a detective," Marcus said. "A very good boy who solves crimes."

Jasmine smiled, and Marcus felt something shift—like maybe ranch help wasn't all he was. Maybe he was just a guy who helped a girl find her phone, with a bull watching like a third wheel and a dog who deserved a treat.

"Wanna see Ferdinand's trick?" Marcus heard himself say. "He can shake hands. It's low-key majestic."

Jasmine grinned. "Show me."