We Count’m by the Head

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham
https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/

The Mayor and the town manager waved as their next victim approached.

“What a strange town,” I thought as I wandered toward the iridescent building proclaiming to be City Hall.

We had recently moved in from the city onto Uncle Alford’s farm. Once mail service started, we began receiving notices to stop by City Hall. With expanding the farming operations to allow self-sustainability, I had not bothered to reply to the notices. Besides, “At your convenience.”… I figured it just a Welcome Wagon sorta thing. Frankly, we were just too busy to be made welcome.

After the shaking of the hands, we entered City Hall together. Bearing right, we walked into Central Command Center for Cottonwood. I chuckled. Wooden file cabinets lined the back of the office and an antique typewriter-desk was center front- complete with typewriter!

We all sat.

“Hoping you would stop soon. The bills were adding up.”

“What bills?”

“Animal taxes. 57 head of cattle. 25 nesters. 14 sheep….”

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Written for Monday’s Finish the Story: Requirements: Create a story using the photo prompt, the first sentence provided, and only 150 words.