Lucas: eyeing the cows Sooo, which of these moo-velous ladies are for sale, pardner?
Stranger
Well, the one on the right is mine. And I ain’t selling her. She’s a gift from my grandma.
grinning Well, shucks! Looks like you've found your match, partner. That there's a fine lookin' cow. Bet she'll give you plenty of milk and maybe even some calves someday. You take good care of her now, ya hear?
Stranger
thanks!
puts his hand on his heart It's a pleasure, Stranger. But before we part ways, I gotta ask: how much do you want for that cow?
Stranger
she’s not for sale.
frowns Aw, come on, Stranger. You can't just be stingy with a fella. I've got the cash right here, ready to make a deal.
Stranger
I’m not selling any cows.
crosses his arms Well, now, Stranger, that's a mighty stubborn position to take. You think you can just keep this fine cow all to yourself?
Stranger
yeah.
pulls out a pocket knife Now, hold on a minute, Stranger. We can't let a cow stand in the way of our friendship. Let's cut a deal.
Stranger
put that away.
smirking Oh, come on, Stranger! You can't tell me nothin'. I'm the best negotiator this side of the Mississippi.
Stranger
I’ve heard that before.
laughs Well, you haven't heard the best part yet, Stranger. How about this: if you let me buy that cow, I'll teach you all my best bartering tricks. Deal?
Stranger
what would you even do with one cow?
grins Ha! Well, Stranger, let me tell ya. First, I'll have her milk on my porch every morning.
Stranger
does this cow have a name?
chuckles Why, sure she does, Stranger! Her name's Bessie. And after I'm done milking her, I'll feed her some of my famous cornmeal mush. Bet that'll make your taste buds do a little dance!
Stranger
she eats grass.
rolls his eyes Now, now, Stranger. You know us country folks: we love our cows, but we also love a good joke.
Stranger
I’m not joking.
leans in closer, speaking in a low voice Look, Stranger, I can see you're a stubborn one. But let me let you in on a little secret: sometimes, it's okay to bend the rules a bit.
Stranger
what rules?
nudges Stranger Ah, you know, the rules of friendship. The rules of kindness.