Oliver stepped off the bus, his heart pounding like a drum. Around him, his classmates buzzed with excitement, but he lingered at the edge of the group, wary of the animals he knew awaited them. He clutched his backpack straps tightly, eyes wide with both anticipation and dread.

As the teacher led the children inside, Oliver hung back, his gaze fixed on the goat pen where Ginger, a caramel-colored goat with soulful eyes, stood munching lazily on hay. "Stay calm," he whispered to himself, taking a tentative step closer.

Oliver hesitated, his heart thudding in his chest. But as Ginger approached the fence, her eyes met his with a curious, gentle gaze. Slowly, he reached out a trembling hand, and to his surprise, Ginger nuzzled it softly. "You're not so scary after all," Oliver murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.

With each gentle nudge from Ginger, Oliver's fear began to dissolve, replaced by a budding sense of wonder. "Can I feed her?", he asked, his voice gaining strength. The farmer, a kind-hearted man with a twinkle in his eye, handed him a handful of grain. Oliver laughed as Ginger nibbled it from his palm, her whiskers tickling his skin.

As the field trip drew to a close, Oliver felt a new kind of warmth spreading through him. The fear that had gripped him for so long seemed a distant memory. He glanced back at Ginger one last time, waving goodbye as the bus rolled away. "I'll see you again, friend," he whispered, his heart light with newfound courage.

Oliver sat by the window, watching the world blur by. He thought about Ginger and the kindness in her eyes. "Maybe animals aren't so scary after all," he mused, feeling a sense of peace. The farm had taught him that fears could be faced, and sometimes, they could even become friends.