In the sprawling fields of the farm, under the scorching sun the workers toiled endlessly and tirelessly, their figures blurred by the heat haze as they tended to the land under the scorching rays of the sun.
Josh wiped the sweat from his brow as he paused for a moment, seeking refuge from the oppressive heat.
He emerged from the field, his throat parched and body wary from the day's labour.
Seeking refuge from the relentless heat, he settled beneath the shade of a gnarled tree, the cool earth and a welcome respite against his heated skin.
As he leaned against the weathered fence post relishing the cool relief of the break, the soft sound of sobs broke the stillness of the moment.
Startled, his eyes snapped open as he stared around wondering who was crying. Then he saw her.
He felt his heart clench for no apparent reason, for reasons he couldn't describe but he knew he couldn't bear to see her cry nor sad, all he wanted was her happy face, the happy expression he seemed to have fallen for.
The way her lips curled whenever she smiles, her big round eyes. Everything about her was worth dying for, so much that he felt irresponsible seeing her tears.
Taking a deep breath, he gently approached her hoping he could take her sorrow away. As a friend or whatsoever emotions were budding within him .
All he knew was, she saw and treated him as a friend, she never for once looked down on him for his lowly position, the current situation was better than ruining it with his stupid confession. Just friends. Being just friends is totally okay with him.
There she sat with her shoulders slumped and the obvious heavy cloud which seemed to hang over her usually bright demeanor, her face was etched with frustration, her fingers idly tracing patterns in the dusty earth.
"Hey there Anna, you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders". He greeted jokingly as he stood before her , his weathered face creased with concern as he tried lifting her mood and it worked instantly.
Startled, Anna jolted out of her reverie only to come into contact with Josh's face and she could swear her heart skipped a beat.
She let out a grunt, disappointed at herself. She had promised not to cry but here she was , she didn't only cry but also got caught by him in the process.
She immediately wiped her tears and managed a small fake smile which only made her feel like crying more and more.
She felt like jumping into his embrace to cry out her heart and let go of all her emotions but what if he denied after all it was nothing but a one-sided affection, he might not have the same feelings as her. He saw her as a friend only.
"Now I understand when they say the rich also cry, I can have everything I want except him. My life is really pathetic, being forced into an arranged marriage then falling in love for someone who might never look at me the same ". Anna sighed despondently under her breath.
"Josh . .". She turned to face Josh who had already taken his seat beside her . "Can . .can I have a hug?"
Josh was caught off guard by her words and was absentminded for a while before pulling her into his embrace.
"What's troubling you?". He questioned as he caress he back gently.
Anna didn't reply, she just sniffled the forthcoming tears and snuggled further into his embrace.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it". Josh smiled taking the hint.
"Well, how about I show you round the ranch, I promise your sour mood will be gone in an instant". Josh suggested gesturing towards the sprawling fields and grazing animals beyond upon seeing her still distressed and sad face so he might as well offer her a source of distraction.
He felt a bit awkward as she didn't reply but only hugged him tighter.
"We got some pretty amazing cows and horses around here and I bet spending some time with them will lift your spirits".
"Are you sure?". Anna asked rhetorically as her eyes lit up with interest, at least she would be free and happy for a while and be away from the conflicting emotions.
"Don't you trust me ?".
"Of course I do, sure". She answered cutely and they both burst into a round of laughter.
He held her arms as he led her through the pasture gates and into the heart of the ranch where the cows grazed lazily in the shade of a towering oak tree.
The air was filled with the sounds of contented munching and the occasional whinny as they made their way toward the grazing cows.
"These are our dairy cows," Josh explained, gesturing toward the gentle creatures as they grazed peacefully in the late afternoon sunlight. "That big one over there is Bessie – she's the matriarch of the herd. And see that one with the white spot on her forehead? That's Daisy – she's always the first one to the feed trough."
Anna listened intently, her eyes shining with fascination as Josh continued to point out each cow by name and share little anecdotes about their habits and personalities. With each step, her spirits lifted, and a sense of calm washed over her.
As they wandered further into the ranch, Josh led Anna to the stables where the horses were housed. The sight of the magnificent creatures brought a smile to Anna's face as she watched them trot and play in the paddock.
"Meet Thunder," Josh said, patting the sturdy chestnut horse on the neck as Anna approached . "He's our fastest runner and the friendliest horse you'll ever meet. And over there is Luna – she's got a bit of a mischievous streak, but she's got a heart of gold."
Anna laughed, her heart light with joy as she listened to Josh's stories about each horse and their unique personalities. The cares and worries that had weighed her down earlier seemed to melt away in the presence of these beautiful animals and she suddenly felt light and free of the burden weighing her.
As they both wandered arms in arms around the ranch she found herself captivated by his attractive face again. He was just so perfect, each and every contour was in the perfect place.
She was so lost in admiring him that she tripped over, pulling him down too in the process since they were both holding arms.
She tripped and fell into the muddy floor in an old fashioned manner and Josh followed suit , tripping and landing on her .
Anna let out a gasp, it wasn't for the fact that his huge weight was on her wholly but for the fact they were so close that their lips brushed against each other gently.