Part 4: A Man and His Cow

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Image Credits: Pixabay and my own adjustments in Photoshop

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Clarabelle and Bob spent the whole afternoon, flying above the treetops and across the open fields of Bob's isolated farm, steering clear of neighbours farms and potential prying eyes. Laughing and talking together, both having the thrill of a lifetime. Clarabelle was able to hover and move silently. She also discovered that she could use her mind to warp instantly to any location she thought of in her mind. However, the ride was a little rough for Bob; he was in his early eighties, his body and his health in decline.

Clarabelle lands gently in the barn, next to the stool so that Bob can climb off her back without hurting himself.

"Clarabelle, tell me I am a delusional old fart?", Bob said with a smile. "I have a magic cow that speaks like a human female, that alone is nuts, but an intelligent cow with the ability to fly, teleport and move things with her mind? I must be a lunatic or perhaps living the most magical dream?"

"No, Bob, you are not crazy. You are the kindest man I have ever met. I'm not just a steak to you. I owe you my life, Bob! I couldn't be a happier cow," said Clarabelle beaming with happiness. "This couldn't be more real!"

After that sunny afternoon, Bob and Clarabelle grew even closer. Every day they spent together they got to know each other better. They would finish each other's sentences. They had endless conversations and heated debates about philosophy, science and anything else that crossed their minds. Somehow the discussion would usually lead back to animal rights since Bob was passionate about veganism. Naturally, being a cow, Clarabelle was onboard with the animal rights, vegan movement too.

Bob especially loved flying with Clarabelle, but he needed something to make the ride more comfortable and practical for a man of his age, so he hires a local handyman to build him a sturdy set of steps with a railing so that Bob can climb aboard Clarabelle's back with ease. Bob and Clarabelle smiled and giggled at each other when the handyman wasn't looking. Clarabelle no longer felt like a natural cow, so she had to put on a show for the handyman, she found it difficult to keep her hooves on the ground, and her mouth shut, saying "Moo", was utterly hilarious to her and Bob both, it sounded downright comical. When the handyman turned his back, Clarabelle would allow herself to hover above the floor, once he faced her again she would be right back on the floor to Bob's delight. The handyman was none the wiser to the escapades happening around him, even if he did notice, he would never believe his own eyes. Magic cows are too ridiculous for anyone to understand.

Next, Bob contacted his grandson Aiden to design a specialised saddle for Clarabelle and himself. Bob emailed the appropriate measurements to Aiden, and he got to work on the project. Aiden thought this was a bizarre request, but he loved his Grandpa, so he got to work. The large deposit to his bank account was an additional incentive for Aiden, the perpetual student, always in debt. Aiden uses a 3d printer to craft the soft but sturdy skeleton of a custom fitted saddle. His grand-daughter Sydney, a fashion designer, steps in to upholster the frame with all vegan padding and materials. Bob was thrilled the day the seat arrived; it was perfect in every way, making it comfortable for both Clarabelle and himself. Expertly engineered to include a seatbelt, armrests, with saddlebags for gear, and a spot for Bob's iPhone, they were set to go.

Meanwhile, Bob had made himself a "flying" costume consisting of a dry scuba diving suit with a full face mask, oxygen tank, and a sturdy motorcycle helmet. Bob would be warm and able to breathe more comfortably at higher altitudes and adequately protected against the wind and the elements. He also had headlights for both of them, and goggles for Clarabelle.

While they were waiting for all the parts to come together, Clarabelle and Bob were busy hatching their plan. Clarabelle was holding a grudge against the farmer who had helped bring her into the world, treating her and the other cows so lovingly, then betraying them all by selling them for slaughter. His name was John, John Svashta, the most prominent beef producer in the area. Clarabelle seeks revenge on John, and Bob, the passionate vegan and animal rights advocate, wants to rescue the cows from certain death. Together their plan is forged.

The day all parts came together, Bob and Clarabelle prepared themselves for flight, after sunset. Clarabelle was thrilled with the red saddle; Bob had made sure that Sydney upholstered the seat with her favourite colour, and it fit like a glove. Clarabelle, couldn't help but snicker at Bob in his "flying" costume. Bob climbs aboard Clarabelle's back into his comfortable riding throne and buckles up his seatbelt while mounting his iPhone in front of him.

"Siri, directions to John Svashta's farm please," asked Bob. "All set Clarabelle let's go."

"Wheee," cries Bob as they rise from the ground! Clarabelle uses her telekinetic powers to throw open the barn doors, and they take flight into the night sky.

With Siri's assistance, they make the final approach to John's farm. Hovering in one place, they survey the scene before them. Clarabelle immediately recognises her surroundings, pointing out John's house, and her old home in the barn. Clarabelle's tries to blink back the tears, as she thinks of her girls; Bessie, Mary and the others, may they rest in peace. Clarabelle then notices something unfamiliar, a shiny red sports car in the driveway. She puts two and two together and concludes that John used his money from the sale of the cows to the slaughterhouse to fund this expensive looking car, Clarabelle's anger takes over, and she swoops down to the car.

"This is for you John!" says Clarabelle as she hovers above the car, and deposits a cow patty across the roof and hood of the car.

"Enough Clarabelle," says Bob. "We must not forget the main reason we are here. We had a plan remember?"

"Ok," says Clarabelle. "I've had my fun, for now, let's do it, Bob!".

Clarabelle uses her mind to open John's barn, and they quietly slip inside. Once inside Clarabelle assembles the cows, and tells them the truth about John and his betrayal. She introduces the cows to Bob, and they all take an instant liking to him. She explains the plan for rescue, and that she would be back for all of them.

Bob has another ah-ha moment when he realises that he can speak to and understand all the cows, not just Clarabelle! He pinches himself to make sure he's not dreaming. How strange his life has become, but Bob no longer felt lonely, and his body feels ten years younger.

Clarabelle chooses Becca, a pretty young cow.

"Becca, hold my tail in your mouth, we are going for a ride, and for goodness sake, don't let go," commands Clarabelle.

Becca does as she's told and the magic takes over. Clarabelle, Bob and Becca fly out of the barn into the night sky. Just as they fly off, John spots the bizarre sight from the window in his house. He grabs his rifle and storms out his front door firing a shot into the air, shouting and screaming there was little that he could do.

Now at a safe distance, Clarabelle giggles to herself as she hears John shouting about his car. The three head back to Bob's farm.

End of Part 4

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If you would like to catch up on earlier stories about Clarabelle, see below

Part 1 - The Slaughterhouse by @Svashta
Part 2 - The Slaughterhouse by @Svashta
Part 3 - The Slaughterhouse by @Svashta / Part 3 - Clarabelle's Miracle by @braveheart29

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@braveheart29 xx