The Red Light

Brian came from a long line of proud fighting bulls. Generations of his family had been selected for their size, strength, and aggression. Brian wasn’t like the other bulls, he was a little smaller and a little nicer than all his brothers and uncles. When it came time for the running of the bulls and the subsequent bullfights after, Brian was not selected.

Brian's owner didn't think he had a future as a fighting bull so he sold him to a farm up north.

When they arrived, and the farmer finally opened the door to the trailer Brian had been riding in, Brian shot out with a burst of energy, and launched himself out. Just like he saw his dad and uncles do. However, once he was out he realized he wasn’t in a bullfighting arena, but rather, a large field with a fence blocking him from going to an even bigger field.

At first Brian didn’t know what to make of his new surroundings, first of all, he was the only bull there. He was accompanied by a herd of cows, who at this point were still huddled together on the far side of the enclosure, not sure what to make of Brian. Second of all, he didn't know what to do, there was no-one to chase or gouge, the farmers had been sure to open the trailer in a way that would ensure they did not occupy the pen at the same time as Brian.

After taking a look around and familiarizing himself with the smells around him he became fascinated by the interesting things he was smelling. The smell of all the different types of grass and clover became too much to resist and he began to munch away.

Brian grew up on a dusty old piece of land. Land that had been overworked due to all the big aggressive bulls in Brian's family. He had never seen this much grass, and this many different types. Brian was so happy about all the delicious new grasses he became almost hypnotized by what he was eating.

Once he had eaten his fill Brian decided to check out his new friends. Brian began to stride towards the cows with all the power and pride a bull of his lineage should. This came off as aggressive to the cows who are nonviolent creatures and were still uneasy about Brian's presence.

When Brian got within a few feet, the cows let out a scream of terror and took off in different directions. Brian was confused again, and also a little offended. Brian spent the rest of the day alone on the opposite side of the field. Sad that his new friends didn't want to be friends.

Brian was intent on making friends, he just needed to be nicer and calmer, as to not scare the cows. He remembered a fun game he used to play with his brothers, where you poke a bull in the butt as a challenge, and then the two of you lock horns and wrestle to see who is stronger. He wanted a challenge, so he found the biggest cow out there, not realizing she was pregnant. After poking her from behind the cow let out a bellowing cry and the other cows rallied around to protect the mother.

Brian was very confused, everyone seemed really mad at him now. Brian continued to try and make friends with the cows over the next few days, with no luck at any turn. Brian had resigned himself to a life of solitude, finally accepting the fact that the cows didn't want to be his friend.

On a cool dark night, while all humans and animals were sleeping, a few local thieves tried to steal some of the cows to sell to another farmer. Brian was sleeping blissfully, dreaming of being in the middle of a giant bullfighting arena. He was awoken by the cries of the cows.

When he got up to see what was going on he saw the thieves loading a trailer with three of his cow friends. It was hard to see the people and really make out where their bodies were, but he could see the red lights on the back of the trailer. Brian became obsessed and soon felt rage building inside. He didn't know why, he had never felt this way before, but something about the color red infuriated him.

Brian lunged his massive body forward and began running as fast as he could towards the red light. As he approached the trailer the thieves heard his footsteps and turned their flashlights to see Brian charging straight for them. Once they noticed they started to run to get the trailer closed and get out of there.

Brian continued unabated and smashed headfirst into the corner of the trailer destroying the light. That hurt a lot more than Brian thought it would but at least the red light was gone. In the process of destroying the light he also destroyed the door, allowing the cows inside to run out before the thieves took off in their truck.

It was a narrow escape but they were all there and they were all safe, and Brian was the hero. All through the night and forever after that Brian was loved and respected, he still didn't play and hang out with the cows but he could tell they respected him and were happy that he was there. Brian wasn’t a brave bull fighting in an arena, but his bravery is what keeps his cow friends safe and that's what matters to him. .