Miller spat out the straw and gestured toward the muddy, squealing crowd. "Well now, Leo, that depends on what kind of life you’re looking to manage. You see those little ones there? The weaners? You can take one of those home for about $50 to $150. They’re cheap to start, but they’ll eat you out of house and home before they’re done growing."
Leo looked back at the spotted piglet. It had finally made it to the top of the pile and was let out a triumphant, high-pitched oink.
"How much to buy a pig, Mr. Miller?" Leo asked, his voice steady despite the flutter in his chest.
"I’ll take the spotted weaner," Leo said, pulling out a hundred-dollar bill. "The $100 one. That way I can afford the best feed you’ve got. I'm not just buying a pig, Mr. Miller. I'm buying the blue ribbon."
Miller chuckled. "That’s a breeding sow, son. She’s the future of the farm. A lady like that costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000. And a prime boar? You’re looking at $2,500 easy. Quality costs, and legacy costs more."
Old Man Miller leaned against the wooden gate of the weaning pen, a piece of straw tucked into the corner of his mouth. He watched the boy watch the pigs.
