The woman stroked the lamb with one hand while the other closed around the handle of the farmer’s tool. She raised it slowly, eyes always on the little animal. She took a deep breath, steadying the hammer above the lamb’s head. The lamb nuzzled her hand. “Peace be with you.” It was barely a murmur but she waited, words hanging in the air like she expected the lamb to reply. The wind ran through the grass outside, rustling it against the wood of the shed. She brought the hammer down in a swift movement. The lamb didn’t make a sound.