The sky was a soft blue color, darkening around the edges as the sun sank closer to the opposite horizon line. It was late afternoon, but soon it would be dusk. Geneva eagerly soaked up the rays of the sun, sad to see them leave so soon. The gray-furred lady loved the feeling of warmth on her back and shoulders. It was something that she had taken for granted before the previous summer season. There had been so many continuous weeks of rain and flooding that Geneva was always grateful now to experience something as simple and wonderful as the sun's rays.
The olive-eyed woman had completed her duties early that day. She had risen earlier than usual. She did not sleep in by any means, but she had awoken before the sun had risen at all. The stars had been faint in the sky when she had exited the ranch that she shared with Jefferson. She had not seen the male, and thought that he was probably still enjoying a much deserved rest. She had slipped away, patrolling the Valley with dedication and patience, covering two-thirds of the territory before the sun had risen to the top of the sky at noon.
The woman felt as though she had spent her day well, and now she sought respite for her thoughts. She had a while to herself, before she would return home to the ranch and tend to the livestock. Now was a time for business to fade from the fore of her mind. She waded through the tangled field of sunflowers. The twisted stalks were capped with riotous blooms, golden yellow and bright. She raised a fingertip to touch one, tracing a petal as birds dipped and danced overhead.