A loud, insistent "Moooo!" interrupted his brooding.
Cavendish sighed, a hint of fondness creeping into his voice. "All right, all right. I'm coming, you great lump."
He stepped outside, squinting in the bright sunlight. Mooch stood at the fence, her large brown eyes fixed on him expectantly. As he approached, she stretched her neck out, nuzzling his arm with her soft muzzle.
"Hello, old girl," Cavendish murmured, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. "At least someone around here appreciates me, eh?"
Cavendish's calloused fingers found their way behind Mooch's ears, scratching gently. The cow let out a contented sigh, leaning into his touch.
"There's a good girl," he murmured, his gruff voice softening. "What would I do without you, eh?"
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a slightly bruised apple. As Mooch munched happily, Cavendish leaned against the fence, his green eyes distant.
"I'll be honest Mooch, sometimes I wonder what would have happened if things went differently," he confided, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I wasn't so eager to help that kid out, giving up those magic beans for you. Don't get me wrong," he added hastily as Mooch looked up, "I wouldn't trade you for anything now. But back then..."
He trailed off, lost in memory. Mooch nudged his hand, prompting him to continue.
"Right, right. The story." Cavendish managed a wry smile. "Well, as I've told you before, it was a fine spring day when that boy came around. He asked me what I had in my hand and I told him, being the honest guy that I am." He shook his head, chuckling without humor. "Magic beans! He begged me for them. I was reluctant, but I traded them away. I just couldn't stand the idea that this kid would offer up his beloved pet cow. I mean, what kind of person..?"
Cavendish's fingers tightened on the fence post. "If I'd known then what those beans could do... well, let's just say things might've turned out different. But here we are."
He patted Mooch's flank, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Still, can't say it's all bad. You're better company than most humans I've known."