That was a great day, he says stretching out on the couch. She stares at him with disbelief. We have absolutely nothing in common, she says.

The place smelled of dead cows. Your place smells like dead cows, the boy said. That’s because of the dead cows out back, the farmer replied.

He put the cup of tea to his lips and the bitterness of stale Assam overwhelmed him and she asked if he was ok and he said, I’ve been better.

Then there was more beer. No one tap dances anymore, he said. She stood up and tapped. He applauded. That’s going to come in handy, he said.