“Hello, Ted.” Dan shook his friend’s hand warmly as he climbed out of his ute. They’d hardly spoken since that day a few weeks back when Ted had admitted to not insuring. Dan had rung a couple of times but their conversations had been brief. He knew Ted would be feeling embarrassed about all that had happened. “How are things going?”

“Much better.”

Dan noticed Ted’s shoulders were straighter and he might not be wearing his trademark cocky grin but there was warmth back in his eyes.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Dan tapped the tractor wheel with his toe.

They both looked down as the pup dropped a stick expectantly at Dan’s feet.

“This young bloke turning out all right?” Ted bent to scratch Spud behind the ears.

“Yeah. He’s a quick learner. Paula got him from the Browns. They breed good sheep dogs.”

“I saw Paula back at the house. She was taking groceries inside and suggested I look for you up here.”

“I didn’t realise she was back. She’s been in town for a doctor’s visit.”

“She looks well. You’ve got yourself a good breeder there.”

Dan grinned. He could just imagine the look on Paula’s face if she heard Ted say that. The pup chased its tail in a circle then sat down again.

“Dan, I need to thank you for all you’ve done for us.”

Dan shifted his weight to his other foot. “No need, Ted. You’ve done plenty for my family in the past. That’s what friends are for, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, well there are friends and there are friends. All I know is, I didn’t know where to turn and you were there when I needed someone talking sense. I ended up…well, I ended up seeing the counsellor a few times.”

“How did that go?”

“He helped me see the future.”

“A real miracle worker then.” Dan grinned and threw the stick for the pup.

“Helped me to plan the future.” Ted corrected himself and neither spoke as they watched the young dog race off.

Dan rearranged his hat on his head, unsure of what to say.

Spud returned with the stick and this time Ted threw it. “It’s been a tough few weeks.” Ted’s back was to Dan and his voice was low.

“You’ve come through it, mate.”

This time they both ignored the pup.

Ted turned slowly. “I’ve made some…well, Heather and I, we’ve made some decisions and now it’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Dan looked hard at Ted. For someone who was professing to have lightened his burden he was looking tense again.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m here. I wanted to thank you but I also wanted you to be the first to know…I’m selling the farm.”