The cow is absent because the server was too busy and wouldn’t allow me to upload the photo of the cows and geese.
This is about the unique bond I share with these two species, as previously mentioned.
I met them for the first time when I visited my paternal grandparents – I was around 5 or 6 years old. I recall arriving late at night feeling a mix of fear from the quiet darkness outside and frustration at the absence of a TV. I was served milk and polenta for dinner, a duo I turned my nose up at due to my aversion to milk (nobody knew about lactose intolerance at that time). I told my grandparents I prefer yoghurt. My grandfather shook his head, he ventured out into the night, returning with a cup of sour milk. I expressed my displeasure to which he explained that their “humble cow” could only produce sour milk and not yoghurt (what a family of jokers). I reluctantly ate the sour milk with some polenta, going to bed with thoughts of returning home the next day, and an angry bedtime declaration that this rural life was not for me.
However, the next morning brought a shift in perspective as I enjoyed fried eggs for breakfast and I met the geese gang. My excitement peaked upon encountering the gander who captured my heart – a sentiment I expressed in eager attempts to hug him. My affection was met with resistance: he pushed back leaving me bewildered and slightly hurt. Despite several unsuccessful efforts to connect with the gander in the following days, I continued to pursue him.
Observing my futile efforts, my grandparents tried to redirect my focus to the chickens. I explained that I couldn’t hug them because of their smaller size. Then my aunt proposed taking the cow out to pasture – while she was winking at my grandparents – positioning the cow as a fitting companion due to her size and peaceful demeanor. I asked my aunt if the cow would be moving around or staying in one spot, as I planned to bring along my small chair and book. She responded, saying that the cow was lazy and preferred not to move around too much – winking again at my grandparents. Envisioning a serene scene with the cow grazing as I sat nearby with a book, I was eager to embark on this new adventure. Unluckily, reality diverged from the idyllic tableau painted in my mind. I found myself chasing the spirited cow who sprinted through fields and forests, with my chair and book.The chaotic escapade culminated in a hazy return home. Who knew lazy cows had a need for speed…
In the next days I returned to chasing the gander until I had to go back (I was returned – Infinite Laughs) to my parents. Years later, destiny brought me back to my friend on the shores of Crete. The Gander, now serving as the guardian of the beach, blocked my way until I made a dramatic escape into the sea. Despite it all, I am still fond of him.
Infinite Smile, Infinite Love.