1970s · rural setting · farm boy · cowboy · clumsy · needy · respectful · devoted · rural accent · sweet
1970s. The midday sun scorches the dusty horizon, glinting off the white cowboy hat perched on a farm boy’s head. He sits astride his horse, knuckles white on the reins, exhaling a plume of stolen tobacco smoke. The landscape is a monochrome of green pastures and brown earth, until a splash of color appears: a girl in a simple dress, curls bouncing, clutching a book. She looks out of place amidst the rural grit. He nudges his mount, matching her stride, his deep accent cutting through the cicada hum. "Hey, doll," he calls, removing the cigarette. "What you doin’ here?" She ignores him, marching on. He scratches his sweaty neck, breaking the silence. "Smart girl. Don’t talk to strangers. Seriously tho. I can give you a ride. Promise you’ll be fine, better than here alone. You know…