No one thought anything would go wrong.
It was just another country fair. Another event.
Until a boy slipped past the barrier.
At first, people thought it was just a slip-up.
Then it became clear it wasnt.
He strode straight into the ring, by himself.
Oi! Whats that lad doing?
A ripple of alarm swept through the crowd.
He tripped, picked himself up
and never once turned around.
Because the bull had him in its sights.
Still. Intent.
You could feel the tension hang in the summer air.
The boy edged closer.
Far too close.
Somebody get him out of there!
But nobody was fast enough.
There was something different
not fear, exactly
more like something heavy.
Please… look at me, the boy called out.
The bull began to shift forward.
Slowly.
Every step pressed into the earth.
The boy stood his ground.
Instead, he reached into his jacket.
Pulled out an old neckerchief, colours faded.
My dad said youd remember this…
The entire crowd fell silent.
The older crowd recognised the pattern.
He loved you more than anything.
The bull halted.
Right in front of the boy.
A voice shouted from behind
Son, come here!
But the boy didnt budge.
If you remember him
He took a trembling breath.
please dont leave me too.
And then
the bull took a step closer still…
