“Behind every sign is a story,” my Dad used to say. It means that there was someone who needed to be told, who needed the instructions. But this one baffled me: DO NOT IMPERSONATE THE COWS. I couldn’t imagine a situation that demanded that sign. I couldn’t even see the cows at first, then I spotted one approaching – at least, I think it was a cow. The legs seemed out of rhythm, and the sign suggested this might be something different. Something dangerous, that read signs and ignored them.

Background

This story was ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2019 National Flash Fiction Day Microfiction Competition. I’m still not entirely sure where this idea came from.

Another long week but my talk last night went well, and I’m frantically preparing for the next thing. I’m looking forward to relaxing a little once this week is done.