Outside, the sun was just peeking over the horizon, firing bright, dusty arrows across the desert floor. In this early light, Ruth spied Anna laying a set of shears flat along the flank of a sheep. Rolled onto its back, the animal remained calm, its head lolling to one side, while Anna loomed above, pressing one knee gently into its chest. In a single, seamless motion, the shepherd grabbed a fistful of woolly rings and slipped the blades beneath, working her shears in a scissoring motion. After a dozen or more snips, the animal’s coat began to lift off its body in a single, thick blanket.

“Easy, little one,” Anna whispered to the sheep as she rolled the fleece toward its front legs. “Almost done now,” she added.

Then, as if they had shared a silent communication, both Anna and the animal rose to their feet. The fleece slipped loose from the sheep’s body and Anna billowed it into the air. Judging the cut to be good, she tossed the woolly blanket onto a nearby pile, where it landed with an airy bounce.

“Oh! Look at all that beautiful wool!” Ruth cried out. She wound her way down the pathway and rushed to the stack of buoyant fleece. She wove her fingers between the plush curls. “This is the softest I have ever felt. And just look at the size of the pile. It is as tall as you!” she remarked.

“Yes,” Anna said, smiling broadly. Glancing over her shoulder, she whistled for the next sheep. It came trotting over and lay at her feet.

Ruth shook her head in disbelief. “I never tire of seeing how your animals trust you,” she said.

Anna blushed and leveled her shears along the animal’s flank.

Fascinated by the shepherd’s work, Ruth sat on a nearby rock to observe. Reveling in Anna’s skill, she said, “You must have enjoyed your life as a shepherd.”

Without hesitation, Anna said, “Yes.”

Ruth dropped her chin into her hands. “What about it gave you the most pleasure?”

Anna thought for a moment. A sudden light came into her eyes. “The freedom,” she said.

Ruth nodded as though she understood. After some time her eyes drifted toward the horizon. She sighed as her expression took on a hazy glow. “What was the most beautiful city you ever visited?” she asked.

Anna glanced over in surprise. Ruth never spoke about the outside world. Anna returned her attention to the blades and gave the situation some thought.

“I would be happy to answer your question,” she said, “if you will answer one of mine.”

Ruth started.

Anna looked over with a grin. Ruth’s dimples drilled into her cheeks. “Ha!” she spouted. “You are far too clever for your own good! And so tenacious.” Her body shook with a deep chuckle. After a moment she said, “I promise to answer whatever question you may ask—if I am able.”