Think you have pretty solid relationship goals? Well, would you be willing to give up immortality, the power to shape the weather, and a sweet slice of heaven just to be with your significant other?
Oh, and your significant other’s job is herding cows on a farm all day.
There’s no doubt about it: the Cowherd and the Cloud Weaver have a special kind of love story. So special, in fact, that certain powerful entities have pulled out all the stops to keep these two separated. But throughout it all, Cowherd and the Cloud Weaver have gone to great lengths to preserve their love against the haters.
Even if they happen to ruin poor Winston Chu’s life in the process.
Two’s Company, Three’s a Cloud
Forget everything you learned in science class about air pressure and atmospheric circulation. In reality, any changes in weather can be attributed to the cloud weaver sisters, who work under the direction of the all-mighty Mother Cloud Weaver.
In case you haven’t noticed just how temperamental the weather can be at times, we should warn you that it’s never a good idea to get on Mother Cloud Weaver’s bad side. Luckily, when you’re as powerful as she is, there’s not much a single mortal human can do to get under her skin. That is, unless you decide to fall in love with one of her daughters. In that case, a rained-out wedding day will be the least of your worries.
A Bridge Too Far
Even the considerable abilities of Mother Cloud Weaver could not prevent her celestial daughter from falling for the lowly, earthbound cowherd. MCW did figure out how to keep them apart, though. She created a giant river of stars between heaven and earth that neither could cross.
Eventually, Mother Cloud Weaver felt a twinge of guilt over what she’d done, and she ordered her pet magpies to form a bridge once a year so that the two lovers could meet. That’s a pretty raw deal, if you ask us. You’d think she’d be able to afford to give her daughter more than one vacation day per year.
Maybe Mother Cloud Weaver should talk to Demeter about how to set healthy boundaries when it comes to a daughter’s love life.
A Broom with a View
Rumor has it that Cloud Weaver and Cowherd weren’t necessarily happy with the once-a-year arrangement. But secretly plotting a permanent solution while hiding out from Mom is easier said than done.
To maintain their privacy on earth, the lovers decided to inhabit a couple of everyday household objects. That’s all we’re willing to reveal about their current state. But just in case you ever thought that your toilet plunger and brush were secretly in love, it’s possible you weren’t so delusional after all. Maybe your psychiatrist can give you a refund.
The Times Are a A-Changeling
Fortunately, Cloud Weaver and Cowherd found someone on earth to help them build a permanent bridge across the river of stars, ensuring that they can stay together forever. Unfortunately, this person drives quite a hard bargain. Something special—something really special—may have to be sacrificed to guarantee his help.
And so, if an innocent child has to be imprisoned inside a doll and replaced by a soulless changeling in order for Cloud Weaver and Cowherd to achieve their goals . . . well, that just goes to show how much they love each other!
Gee, we hope that kid isn’t anybody we know!
Want to learn more about the Cowherd and the Cloud Weaver? Be sure to pick up Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies by Stacey Lee, on sale 2/7!