Yelling for the Sheep

You think you know the story of the old-country farmer, but there’s a whole other side lost to history. In the late eighteenth century, in a small village seventy miles outside of Valladolid, Spain, there was a young man named Ramon Marin. He had just inherited a small sheep farm from his father, Antonio, who passed away seven weeks ago. His mother, Alma, had died years before, soon after he came of age.

Her passing had devastated them both, and it took a long time to adjust to managing the farm without her. She might not have known about care for the animals or property, but she did know about sustaining the home. She was the glue that held them together, but sadly even the glue had to dissolve away and leave the two components it joined to fend for themselves.

Now, years later, Ramon found himself alone. In the last few weeks, as his father grew steadily sicker, he had told Dr. Alonso, who practiced almost three miles down the road, to come by the house twice a day. The doctor had said he had so many patients to care for in the surrounding area that he couldn’t guarantee that. He promised to do the best he could.

So on that fateful day, when his father fell over coughing up blood, Ramon ran to the doctor’s office. Storming through the doors, the doctor’s receptionist told him he was out on another house call. Ramon yelled it was an emergency, but all the receptionist could offer was some meager supplies and pain medicine. She also promised to send someone out to find the doctor straight away.

Ramon ran back to his house, only to find his father losing consciousness. The supplies cascaded across the floor as he ran over and dove into his father’s arms. He shook him with all his might, and yelled for him to wake up. He ran outside and called for the doctor, for the neighbors, for anyone at all. His voice grew hoarse as it faded away on the wind.

The doctor showed up half an hour later, stopping short in the yard as he saw Ramon standing there drenched in tears. He took off his hat and lowered his head solemnly, knowing without a word that it was too late.

******

Mayor Dominguez and several townsfolk arranged a small funeral. Antonio and Alma had been respected members of the community, and everyone looked out for each other in a farming village like this. A travelling lawyer came in to take care of his father’s final arrangements. He assured Ramon that is uncle in Salamanca would be contacted, but cautioned it could take two months for him to receive word and make the journey back.

It was doubtful the uncle, Luis, would even come in a timely manner, as Antonio had never forgiven him for going away to fulfill a dream elsewhere. Ramon, no more than nineteen, would have to be in charge of the farm until then.

It was a lot of responsibility to add to his loss, but he resolved to do his best. He would have to carry on the family work, with no one else to rely on. Luckily a lot of the townsfolk were willing to help.

There was a town meeting two days later, in which they agreed to form a brigade to protect each other’s farms from thieves and animal attack. Francisco Sanz, the local blacksmith, promised to provide any weapons needed. Miguel Serrano, operator of the largest farm in town, offered himself and three sons as deputies. Rival farmer Pedro Ortega also enlisted, with his son reluctantly agreeing. The Ortega daughter protested, but her brother assured her they’d be fine.

The mayor thanked everyone as more offers came rolling in. Then a hush fell over the crowd as his daughter, Pilar, rose to speak. Even through his grief, Ramon couldn’t help but notice her beauty. She had her father’s hair, much lighter than everyone else’s. She wore a wide-brimmed hat tied with a pink ribbon and a stately sundress. She commanded the stage, and he was awestruck.

“My father truly appreciates all of you who have stepped up,” she said. “We both thank you for your service in this difficult time.” She paused as there was a smattering of applause. She took a deep breath and continued. “We are all in this together. It is an honor for anyone who is able to make this community safer.” She stopped again, and looked at her father. “Which is why… I will also volunteer for the brigade!”

A loud gasp filled the room. Confused muttering broke out from all corners. The mayor jumped to his feet.

“Pilar, no!” he shouted. “I’m sorry, folks,” he said to everyone else. “This hasn’t been discussed yet.”

“Why not, father?” she demanded. “Didn’t you teach me about hunting and defense?”

“Yes,” he said. “In case I died before you could marry.”

“And didn’t you say I exceeded your expectations?” she asked.

“I suppose you did, mija,” he admitted. “But this brigade is no place for a woman.” Several of the men who enlisted called out in agreement.

“This town needs all of us, father,” she said. “I can do this!” He frowned.

“Perhaps it was a mistake,” he said. “To teach you such things.”

“No, mi padre,” she said. “It wasn’t.” Another round of murmuring ensued.

“Let her join!” Ramon called out. All eyes turned to him, and he even wanted to look at himself in surprise. He hadn’t thought before he said it. Everyone, especially the mayor and Pilar herself, looked taken aback.

“What was that, Mr. Marin?” Mayor Dominguez asked. Ramon cleared his throat, and tried to speak as loudly as he did before.

“Let her join,” he repeated. He could hear angry and confused whispering around him. “I mean – uh—Honorable Mayor, remember how my mother organized our first Semana Santa celebration in town? Before that, we all had to travel at least thirty miles to participate in a festival. She brought the Holy Week to us. And it can’t have been easy.” Several people, especially Mrs. Serrano and Ortega, muttered in agreement. “So who are we to say your daughter can’t do this?”

“With respect to your mother,” the mayor responded. “God bless her soul, this isn’t the same thing. We are grateful for your mother’s accomplishment, Mr. Marin, but she didn’t face danger. You’re asking me to risk my daughter.”

“Yes, but she’s volunteering,” he said. He paused and looked around. Everyone stood silent. “And if you’re doing this for my farm, shouldn’t I get a say?”

“We’re doing this for all our farms!” Mr. Serrano cut in. “You should remember that. We respected your father, Ramon, but you’re still a boy.”

“Legally I’m not a boy,” he clapped back. “I own that farm now. I have just as many rights in this town.” There was an outburst from Mr. Serrano and Mr. Ortega.

“Enough!” the mayor shouted. “Ya basta!” The noise stopped and everyone looked back up to him. “Now, everyone, give me a minute to think.” Pilar turned to him and squeezed his hand.

“Please, mi vida,” she said. “Please let me help, father.” He looked into her eyes for a long moment and sighed.

“Alright,” he announced. “Upon Pilar and Mr. Marin’s insistence, I will grant her entry into the brigade.” The room erupted. “On a trial basis! We will re-evaluate the situation weekly to make sure she is safe. And I expect the rest of you to respect and protect her, like any other deputy.”

Pilar threw her arms around him and thanked him. Despite some grumbling by their sons, Mr. Serrano and Ortega said “Yes, sir.”

The meeting adjourned not long later. Everyone started clearing out as all the men of the brigade went up on the stage to join the mayor. Ramon turned to walk away as well.

After a few steps, however, he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He turned around and Pilar was standing there. He gulped. She was even more stunning up close. She was a brilliant light that was hard to look directly at.

“Hello,” she said.

“Uh, hello,” he repeated.

“Thank you for standing up for me, Mr. Marin,” she said.

“Oh, uh, de nada,” he said, donning his hat to her. “And you can call me Ramon.”

“Well, thank you, Ramon,” she said.

“De nada,” he said again. “It’s the least I could do, Miss Dominguez.”

She smiled. “Pilar.”

He smiled and nodded. Their eyes lingered for a moment. Then her father called to her from the stage. She turned and saw him motioning for her to come back up, to the assembled group of the brigade. She gave a slight wave to show she was on her way. She turned back to Ramon for one moment to say adios and touch his hand. He felt a jolt of electricity run through his body. Her father saw shot him a stern glance as she ran over to join the men.

******

Five days later, the brigade was in full force. They responded to a call of a coyote prowling near the Garcia’s vegetable garden, only to see the last glimpse of its tail running away when they got there. Then there was a possible thief trespassing on the Fernandez’s hog farm. It turned out to be a drunken vagrant, who they easily scared away. Despite its slow start, the townspeople were glad to have such a capable group looking out for them.

In the early days, the brigade would march through town in a show of strength. They chose a route that passed by every farm and property. Pilar was relegated to the back of the line, despite her continued protest. Angel Serrano, the eldest son, soon advocated for her to join them in the front. Neither of his brothers, nor Mr. Ortega and his son, agreed. Mr. Sanz, the blacksmith, refused to comment on that.

Whenever they marched past his house, Ramon ran out to his fence and waited for Pilar to pass. He would wave, or don his hat, and she would smile back at him. Every day, their eyes lingered just a little bit longer. One day, he started making hand signals, hoping to communicate a way to meet with her later. She didn’t understand and laughed, making her own “silly” signals in return. He felt a sinking feeling as she turned away and marched on.

Perhaps because of this exchange, which Mr. Ortega seemed to notice, the brigade ended its jaunts through town. They would still circle around the plaza, but otherwise went back to relying on calls.

Ramon told his best friend, Jose, about his feelings for Pilar. Jose’s face fell. He said it was risky to go after the mayor’s daughter. Ramon insisted that he never felt this way before, that he might never feel this way about anyone else. Jose got him pastries that night, as many as he could fit in a basket.

Word of the brigade spread far and wide. Soon representatives of neighboring towns made their way over to ask about it and try and replicate their success. One such time, Mayor Dominguez got advance notice and asked Pilar to stay out of sight when the representative got there.

She refused at first, but he insisted, saying he would remove her from the brigade if the man found out she was a member. She acquiesced and acted only as a daughter during the man’s visit.

Otherwise, she became fascinated with the new weaponry. She knew how to shoot a pistol, but insisted on learning the shotgun as well. The others scoffed at this, but Angel decided to help her. He told the others she would get them all killed if he didn’t.

Jose was walking through the marketplace that day and saw him step behind her and gingerly position her hands around the weapon for proper grip. He saw him place his hand tentatively on her hip while explaining the best stance. He saw her turn back to Angel and thank him with a smile.

Jose dropped the bag of onions he had just bought. He gathered it up from the ground and ran as fast as he could to Ramon’s. When he got there, he flew through the gate, almost crashing into a sheep or two on the way across the yard. He banged on the door.

“You’re lying!” Ramon shouted when Jose told him what he saw.

“I swear it’s true,” Jose said, clutching his bag tightly as he talked. “I saw them together. She’s falling for Angel Serrano.” Ramon’s eyes went wide. His knees buckled. He stumbled toward the wall, grabbing a chair instead to steady himself. Jose ran to his side and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, amigo.”

“How…” Ramon began, struggling to speak. “How could… this happen? I stood up for her. I got her into the brigade. And now…?” He sighed heavily. “Anyone but a Serrano.”

“Look,” Jose began, hesitantly. “I told you… this wasn’t going to end well.”

“Callate!” Ramon shot back. “Shut up. You don’t know anything.” Jose’s eyes fell. He walked out the door and left Ramon alone.

As the hours ticked away, Ramon fell deeper and deeper into despair. Pilar was the one shining light in his life now that his father was gone. She was his beacon of hope, his dream for the future.

What could he possibly look forward to if she turned to someone else? Maybe he always wondered if she was an impossible dream. Just a shadow of fantasy that was never meant to be. But it was an impossible dream that kept him going. An impossible dream that gave him something to live for, something to strive for. How could he possibly let that go?

The answer hit him square in the face: he couldn’t. No one else could understand this. They didn’t really know him, and they certainly didn’t know her. He couldn’t listen to anyone, only that voice deep within. And it spoke to him now.

It told him to snap out of it. It told him to do what needed to be done. A girl like her only came around once in a lifetime. Maybe only once in multiple lifetimes! How was he to know?

This was an opportunity like no other and it was slipping away, sand between his fingers. He dared not fathom the emptiness that awaited if the last grain fell from the friction of his skin into the void. This was the moment that mattered most in his life. Fight for her, goddamnit! It was a matter of destiny.

He pushed forward with a sudden burst of determination. His feet propelled him as his lungs struggled to keep up. He slammed through his door, took a deep breath, and screamed into the night sky like never before.

“Wolf!” he bellowed. “Wooollllllllllfffffffff!!”

******

When the brigade showed up, fully armed, Ramon yelled hysterically that a wolf would’ve killed several of his sheep, had he not run out to stop it. Mr. Serrano asked where the wolf went. He pointed towards the woods to the northwest of his property. Ramon insisted they follow it, because it could also head toward the neighbors.

Mr. Serrano signaled the men up front, and Mr. Ortega signaled those in back, including his son and Pilar. The four fathers involved yelled an exclamation of hunting pride. The groups split and ran forward in two directions, the forest and the neighbor’s property line.

Pilar was at the tail end, and Ramon managed to stop her without the others noticing. She spun around and freed her arm, glaring at whoever grabbed her. Her face mellowed to surprise when she saw it was him.

“What is it?” she asked. Everything stopped short. What an intricate question that was now. What an intriguing, relevant question that even he may not have the answer for. He took a breath and smiled.

“Pilar,” he said. “Please stay.” A hushed moment, and she looked at him blankly.

“Stay?” she asked. “What do you mean? What about the wolf?” She had motioned off to the woods, but stopped short. She looked back and forth across the sheep.

Around the visible range of the property. Then suddenly, she swung her eyes back to him. He managed a half-smile and looked down. “OH no,” she groaned. “No, no, no!” This time, she glared at him for real. All the kindness he’d come to know about her crumbled away. She gritted her teeth like he was no longer a good friend. “You didn’t?”

“Look, Miss Dominguez –“ he started.

“We’re back to that?” she asked pointedly.

“Pilar,” he said. She motioned for him to get on with it. “I—I had to see you.” She raised an eyebrow. “I know it’s not the right time, but I had to do something.” You could see surprise and confusion on her face. “I mean, we’re from different places, but I’m intrigued by you. I’m inspired, really. The way you stood up to join the fight, even when they tried to tell you no.”

“Thank you, Ramon. But what are you trying to say?”

“You should be with someone who understands you. Maybe someone who already stood up for you. Let go of the Serrano—“

“Serrano?!”

“—And choose someone who’s worthy of you.” The night went blank. The Earth seemed to sway back and forth. She looked at him as the pieces clicked into place.

“Mister—uh, Ramon… what did you do?”

“I couldn’t lose you,” he said, reaching out and squeezing her hands. “I heard a rumor, and… well, I had to tell you how I feel.” She was taken aback.

“But right now?” she asked. “Like this?”

“Yes,” he said softly. Their eyes settled on each other. The air grew thick with anticipation. He leaned in, and she did too. Then, in one fell swoop, they pushed their heads together, lips landing on lips. His arms reached around and pulled her close. Her hand raised up and caressed his face. They kissed passionately, lost in the embrace for a long and beautiful moment. He ran his fingers through her hair as they melted into each other.

Suddenly, she pushed herself away. With a deafening crack, she slapped him across the face. He spun with the force of it and grabbed his cheek. Shaken from his reverie, he looked back at her, dumbfounded.

“You lied about a wolf attack?” she demanded. He sighed and slumped his shoulders. “You know how much the brigade means to me. I fought to get in, have to fight to prove myself. And you’re making a mockery of all that.”

“No, I’m not,” he said. “Or I don’t mean to. I just—I need you in my life. I saw what it might be like without you, and I can’t accept that. You mean too much to me, Pilar. I want to treat you the way you deserve to be treated.”

She looked at him again. She took deep, uncertain breaths. He wondered what he could say or do to make it better. He wouldn’t have to wonder long, though, because she threw herself forward again. She grabbed him and they fell into another kiss.

They flung their arms around each other, the sound of fabric rustling as they hugged and rubbed their hands all over each other. He pushed her towards the house. He managed to open the door while keeping their mouths together, and they stumbled inside.

His coatrack fell to the ground as they spun into the living room. They skidded across the side wall, knocking his various knick-knacks all over the place. Finally they fell into the big chair, knocking down the lamp on its side table.

Fortunately he had blown it out. Everything swirled around them, broken pieces he no longer cared about. He had the only thing he cared about in his arms. He held on and kissed her like he would never let go. She did the same. It was like a dream. After a moment, he reached over and began to slide down her blouse. When it wouldn’t move any further, he tore the fabric and released her breasts.

Almost an hour later, the brigade decided to make their way back to the plaza. No one dared mention that they were empty-handed again. It was the junior Ortega who asked where Pilar was. Not many seemed to care. Angel said he would go back to Ramon’s house and look from there.

When he got to the property, he saw a dim light on inside. He opened the fence and quietly approached the front window. The drapes were drawn, but the closer he got, he could hear noises. Sounds from two people.

He inched closer and could suddenly hear it was Ramon and Pilar, wailing in ecstasy. He jumped back and almost fell over. He grabbed at the air, somehow steadying himself. What? He couldn’t be sure of what he was hearing. At least he hoped not.

Moving closer, however, he was sure. He had been on patrol with Pilar for weeks, and he had never heard her that way. He stumbled back, then sideways, towards the bushes on the side of Ramon’s yard. He tried to shake himself off as he went and just landed behind the largest shrub.

He crouched down and stayed there for a long time. How long, he wasn’t sure. He almost fell asleep when he heard laughter coming from inside. He was relieved to hear it in the midst of what sounded like regular conversation.

A long time later, the front door creaked open. He heard Ramon and Pilar step out onto the porch. They continued their goodbyes, complete with a smooch or two. He held her and asked her to stay. She said she couldn’t. She had the weight of the town on her shoulders. Then the final kiss, which lasted way too long.

Finally, she slipped down his steps, opened and closed the gate behind her, and was gone down the road. Angel took a deep breath, counted to ten, and ran forward. Something propelled him up the steps, where he banged on Ramon’s door.

“Mi amor!” Ramon exclaimed. He opened the door. “My love, did you—,“ He came face to face with Angel instead. “—forget something?” He went dead silent. They stared each other right in the eyes.

“Yes,” Angel finally said. “Your amor. Pilar Dominguez, daughter of the mayor!” Ramon gulped. “If it was anyone else here, Marin, you’d be dead. Got that? You’d be dead! I mean, I guess you have some huevos. So maybe you and I can make a deal.”

Ramon responded slowly. “What kind of deal?”

“Ohhh,” Angel began. “Shall we say… 10% of your profits?”

“What?!” Ramon shouted. “You’re a Serrano. You’re heir to the biggest farm in town, and you want to take from me as well?”

“Hey, we all want different things,” Angel said. “I’ll keep my mouth shut. I’ll even make sure the muchachos stay away when you have ‘special time’ with her. Got it? But you gotta give me something for this. I think 10% is more than reasonable.” Ramon’s eyes flared.

“So you caught me,” he said angrily. “You think that’s a reason to take something more, huh? You Serranos take and take, until there’s nothing left!” He balled up his hand in a fist and lifted it. Angel held up his hand. He stepped forward, leaned in, and inhaled Ramon’s scent. There was a strange look on his face as he took it in. Ramon raised an alarmed eyebrow.

“Just smelling your fear, Marin,” Angel said. “You know… like a wolf.”

Ramon gritted his teeth. “Alright! We have a deal.” They shook on it.

******

Over the next few weeks, Ramon and Pilar shared stolen moments whenever they could. There was an increase in animal attacks, so no one was the wiser. They had it down to a science.

He would call wolf, she was stay all the way at the end, and they would find each other after the others dispersed. Angel held up his end of the deal, unbeknownst to Pilar.

One day, the two were laying naked as the sun set. He leaned over and kissed her, and then nibbled her neck. She groaned pleasurably and smiled. He kissed her again. After a moment, she turned to him.

“Ramon,” she said softly. He turned to her and slipped his fingers between hers. “What are we doing here?”

“What do you mean?” Ramon asked.

“You and I,” she said. “What are we now? Where is this going?”

“We’re being with each other,” he said. “As much as we can.”

“Yes,” she said. “But what happens next? Surely we can’t keep this up forever.”

“Well…” Ramon began. He had tried not to think about it. “I don’t know.” She looked down, crestfallen. “You could stay with me here.”

“Here?” she repeated, incredulous. “On the farm??”

“Yeah,” he said. “I know it might be difficult to denounce your post—“

“Difficult?!”

“—But you would make it work. And your father would understand eventually.”

“Are you crazy? Why can’t you leave? And I’ll arrange for a nice village home for you near the Plaza until you and I get situated together.”

“I’ve got the sheep.”

“And I’ve got the town.”

“Well, you father does.”

“No, he relies on me. Whether or not he admits it. I could be mayor someday!”

“What? You?!”

“Yes, me. I thought you would understand.” He shrugged. “So a woman is good enough to be a deputy but not the mayor?”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t seem right.”

“There will be women mayors one day. I’m his only child, so it might as well start with me.”

“Maybe. But it seems like you’re giving up a real opportunity for an impossible dream.”

“Impossible dream? Impossible dream?! How dare you?” She jumped up and looked around for her clothes. He scooted over to the side of the bed.

“What is it?”

“What is it?! Even you, who stood up and said I should be a deputy… you don’t get it. You want me to slum it here instead of following my destiny.”

“Destiny? Who’s talking about destiny now?”

“I am!” She threw her blouse over her head and put it on. “You think the brigade is some passion project? This is what I’m meant to do. I let my feelings overlook the fact that you made light of the whole thing.”

“No, no I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did! Faking a wolf attack just to get me in bed?”

“What? No! It wasn’t just that. I love you, Pilar.” She pulled her skirt up and grabbed her bag.

“I don’t know if you do.” Now he jumped up.

“How can you say that?!”

“You want me to limit myself, cut myself short. And for what?”

“Alright enough of this!” He grabbed her shoulder. “Now you’re talking about destiny and limits? And slumming?! So it’s fine for you to degrade my life?”

“Well degrade’s a good word, isn’t it?” She shoved his hand away and headed for the door.

“Pilar! Wait.” She turned and looked at him, sadness creeping into her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Ramon. Don’t find me again.” She stepped out and swung the door closed behind her.

******

The next day was long and arduous for Ramon. He couldn’t concentrate tending to the sheep. Twice, he almost stopped and cried. When Jose came by, he screamed at him to go away. He wanted to stay and wallow. Nothing meant anything to him anymore.

As dusk fell, and he was leading the last sheep away from the fence, a dark figure appeared out of the woods. At first, he thought it was a person crawling, but soon a massive grey wolf came into view. The growl was like nothing he’d ever heard up close. The wolf lumbered over at top speed and jumped the fence. He screamed and ran for a bat or an axe.

Back in the Plaza, Pilar and the young men heard a familiar sound. “Wolf! Wolf! Seriously, there’s a huge wolf here!” Everyone groaned. Pilar rolled her eyes.

“Alright, men,” Angel said, raising his hand. “Let’s move on out.” Pilar grabbed his arm.

“No,” she said. Most of the others gasped and started murmuring. All eyes turned to her. She looked around at their confused faces. “I think he’s lying.” More murmuring.

“Pilar, are you sure about this?” Angel asked. He leaned in close and whispered, “Don’t you want to… answer this call?”

“No, I don’t,” she said. His eyes went wide and he clenched his teeth. She turned to the others. “How many times has he called wolf lately? And have any of you actually seen this beast? Is there ever any blood on the sheep?” One man, then another called out in agreement. “Why should we trust him now?” Almost everyone murmured in agreement. “He’s wasted my – uh, our— time. He’s wasting our time, and we can’t put up with it anymore!” Everyone cheered. Angel looked on in devastation. He quickly shook himself out of it, though.

“Alright, it’s agreed!” he shouted. “We never answer Mr. Marin’s call again.” The Plaza filled with a loud, roaring cheer. “Let him learn his lesson for cutting us off at the knees!” Cheers and applause drowned out the blood-curdling screams coming from Ramon’s farm.

The shouting continued, louder and louder, more and more desperate, but the Plaza filled with the noise of stomping feet, clapping hands, and banging pans.

When Luis Marin, the uncle, arrived the next morning, blood and carnage marred the property. Ramon was huddled under a blanket with the four surviving sheep. Luis, enraged at his nephew, quickly took over the whole operation. He and his wife also happened to have a young son in tow, so Ramon never regained ownership.

Ramon and Pilar shared one last kiss on a midnight whim, weeks later, before she went on to marry a nobleman from Valladolid.

It was a very, very long time before Ramon got over her. One day, following his uncle’s previous trek, he dropped everything and moved to Salamanca. He had to leave behind the land that so spurned him.

And so it was. You were probably told the story differently. You were probably told it’s a story about lying. But there’s more to it than that. It could also be a story about a bizarre twist of fate. Or the arrogance of two young lovers. Or leaving well enough alone. And maybe, just maybe, history doesn’t play by the rules.