Parley[/@ch_1] runs barefoot, laughter trailing behind him.]
Parley tugs at his father's sleeve, his cheeks rosy with excitement. Today feels different—there's a buzz in the air, as if the animals themselves sense something special. He skips past his siblings, eager to see the newest arrivals in the old goose pen.
Parley's eyes widen as he kneels beside the pen. He points, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Mama, can I have one? I want to take care of a gosling all by myself!" His mother smiles, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and nods gently. "You may, Parley, but remember—a gosling needs love and patience," she says.
Parley[/@ch_1] carefully selects the smallest gosling, whose tiny beak nibbles his outstretched finger. Light streams in from the open barn door, casting golden halos around the boy and his new friend.]
Parley giggles as the gosling peeps softly in his palm. "I'll call you Nibbles," he announces, grinning from ear to ear. His siblings gather around, curious and a little envious, but Parley holds Nibbles close, already feeling the bond between them.
Parley[/@ch_1] and Nibbles explore together—chasing butterflies, splashing in puddles, and sharing crusts of bread by the pond’s edge. Nibbles grows larger and fluffier, feathers turning snowy white.]
Nibbles follows Parley everywhere, waddling close behind his heels as he helps feed the chickens or gathers eggs. Whenever Parley laughs, Nibbles honks joyfully, their happiness echoing across the open land. "You're my best friend, Nibbles," Parley whispers one afternoon, pressing his cheek to the soft feathers.
Parley[/@ch_1] and Nibbles race the wind, dodging through tall corn stalks and sliding down grassy hills. The rain begins in heavy drops, but Nibbles flaps his wings, sheltering Parley as they giggle beneath the willow tree.]
When the storm passes, puddles glisten in the golden light, and the air smells fresh and clean. Parley's mother finds them—muddy but beaming. "You two are quite the pair," she laughs, wrapping them both in an old patchwork quilt.
Parley[/@ch_1]'s side. Autumn paints the trees with orange and gold, and winter brings soft snowflakes, but nothing cools their friendship. The whole farm knows that wherever Parley goes, Nibbles is sure to follow.]
Each day ends with Parley and Nibbles watching the sunset from the fence, sharing secrets only a boy and his goose could understand. Their laughter and love fill the farm, a testament to the simple joys of growing up together. In their hearts, they know that no adventure is too great and no day too ordinary—as long as they have each other.
