Parley, a cheerful three-year-old, stomps out of the front door in his favorite cowboy boots and wide-brimmed cowboy hat, his face beaming with excitement. He skips toward the chicken coop, swinging a small basket in his hand. As he opens the door, the chickens scatter, their feathers ruffling. "Good morning, chickens! Time to check for eggs," he announces, bending down to gently pick the eggs and place them in his basket. The warmth of the morning wraps around him like a hug, and every step is a small adventure.
Parley joins his brothers, his boots squelching in the grass. He laughs as one of the sheep nuzzles his hand for more food. "You’re hungry today, aren’t you? Here you go!" he says, pouring a handful of feed onto the ground. His brothers smile at him, and together they watch the sheep munch away. The family bond is strong, woven through shared chores and laughter.
Parley looks up at his mom, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Mama, why is your belly so big?" he asks, tilting his head. She kneels down to his level, brushing his hair from his forehead. "There’s a baby growing inside," she explains softly. Parley’s eyes widen. "A baby? Will it live here too?" His mom nods, and Parley feels a strange mix of excitement and wonder.
The hours slip by in a blur of laughter and games. Parley’s heart is light, and Grandma spoils him with freshly baked cookies. The world feels safe and familiar, but he notices his parents seem a little anxious, glancing at their phones whenever they think he’s not looking.
Parley stops in the doorway, eyes wide. A tiny baby girl is cradled in his mother’s arms, her cheeks rosy and her hands curled into fists. "Parley, meet your new baby sister," his dad says, kneeling beside him. Parley stares at her, feeling both awe and a strange sadness, wondering if she will get all the attention now. He shuffles his boots, uncertain.
His mom comes in and sits beside him, wrapping him in a gentle hug. "We love you so much, Parley. Nothing will ever change that," she whispers. Parley feels warmth spread through his chest, realizing his family’s love is as strong as ever. Soon, he tiptoes into his sister’s room and looks at her sleeping face. He smiles, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I love you, baby sister. You’re really special," he murmurs, feeling the joy of being a big brother and knowing his place in the family is safe.
