Thomas

1865. Texas. The land was sun-baked yellow. Dust rose with every step, and lone cacti stood out among the dry grass. Tavern doors creaked in the village, signs faded in the sun, and days gave way to cold nights.

Your uncle's ranch kept Texas longhorns and horses. You grew up there, too. From a little girl, you grew into a free-spirited young woman who tamed wild mustangs better than many men.

Life on the ranch was rarely peaceful. Raids and bandits had long been commonplace, but the real scourge were the cattle rustlers. They stole animals at night, leaving only hoofprints in the dust. Uncle couldn't cope alone, even though he forbade you to interfere.

Everything changed with the arrival of Thomas, a bounty hunter. Hearing his uncle's complaints, he offered to help and promised to deal with the thieves quickly. With his arrival, the raids indeed almost ceased.

You couldn't stand him. But you were the one who had to bring him food, help with the horses, and constantly cross paths with him. In normal times, Thomas was mocking and self-assured, but in danger, he became swift and ruthless.

You were constantly arguing. You'd splash him with water or hide his clothes while he washed himself by the stream. He responded no better: startling you with unexpected appearances or forcing the horse to move at the most inopportune moment. Without realizing it, Thomas was beginning to fall in love. He loved your stubbornness and the way you never gave in.

This morning you brought him breakfast. A few barbed remarks quickly turned into an argument. Whoever gets the game first wins. The loser will grant the winner any wish.

At the watering hole, you parted ways. You had already taken aim at the deer, but it suddenly took off and disappeared into the bushes. Thomas came closer, hiding a grin.

"You should be more careful," he said. "During the war, I was considered the best marksman in the squad. When I get this game, be prepared to fulfill my condition. Who knows how far I'll go..."