Parley bounces into the kitchen, his cowboy hat slightly askew and boots thumping on the wooden floor. Flour dusts the counter as he helps his mom stir pancake batter, grinning as his little siblings gather around to watch.
"Can I mix the batter extra fast today, Mom?"
The family gathers around the old wooden table, savoring stacks of pancakes drizzled with honey and glasses of creamy milk poured fresh from Pebbles, their gentle goat.
Parley skips outside with his boots crunching over gravel, eager to help with chores. Dad stands by the barn door, his wide smile greeting Parley’s enthusiasm.
"Dad, can I help you today with the animals and the tractor?"
"Of course, Parley! First, let’s check on everyone in the barn, and then you can ride the tractor with me while I plow the field,"
Together, they discover the barn cat curled protectively around a nest of tiny newborn kittens, their eyes barely open. Parley carefully pours a dish of fresh milk for them, watching the kittens lap it up with tiny pink tongues.
Parley tiptoes into the coop, basket in hand, his siblings trailing behind. He gently gathers warm eggs, laughing as a hen pecks at his boot.
"Look at all these eggs! We’ll have enough for breakfast tomorrow, too,"
His siblings cheer, and Dad ruffles Parley’s hair with pride as they head back toward the tractor, basket brimming with eggs.
Dad lifts Parley onto his lap, and the engine rumbles to life. The scent of freshly turned soil rises as they move together, laughter mingling with the hum of machinery.
"Hold tight, son. You’re my best helper today,"
"This is the best! I love riding with you,"
They wave to Mom and the siblings, who watch from the edge of the field, beaming.
Parley, Dad, and the family gather under the tree, savoring the sweet, tart lemonade. Breezes rustle the leaves overhead as they rest from their work, smiles bright on every face.
"Nothing better than lemonade after a day’s hard work,"
"I wish every day could be like this,"
Dad squeezes Parley’s shoulder, warmth and love in his eyes.
Parley sits with his siblings, sticky-fingered and giggling, his heart full. The farm glows in the soft twilight, safe and welcoming.
"I love my family and living on the farm,"
As stars begin to twinkle above, Parley snuggles close to his parents, feeling grateful for every moment of this perfect day.
