It took a while to settle my family down—I hadn't expected them to be this excited over baby animals, but I guess everyone loves babies.
"Albert, where's the chicken coop? And the barn for the sheep? What time are they getting here?"
My mother bombarded me with questions so fast I barely had time to respond.
Chuckling, I held up a hand. "Yeah, Mom, everything's set. Their homes are coming in soon. And before you ask, I already bought their food, their beds, and made sure they're all vaccinated. No birth defects either, as far as I know."
She nodded, a hint of pride in her expression, before scooping up a chick and walking toward the backyard—which, at this point, was less of a backyard and more of a farm.
With Mom taking the chicks, I started guiding the calves and lambs back as well.
"Baah!" One of the lambs let out a loud bleat, glaring at me. Another was much quieter, while one of the calves was practically bouncing with energy. The last calf, though, kept tripping over its own legs.
I couldn't help but smile.
These babies are our future. If we raise them right, we might really stand a chance.
But… will it be enough?
Doubt crept in, wrapping around me like a shadow.
What if I fail? What if this isn't enough? Can I even handle all of this?
The questions clawed at my mind, dragging me deeper into uncertainty. My vision darkened as anxiety swallowed me whole—
Until warmth pulled me back.
"Hey, Albert."
Rose's arms wrapped around me from behind, her voice soft but firm.
"I know this is a lot," she murmured. "And I know you're scared of messing up. But I want you to know… I'll always be here to help."
She took a deep breath before continuing, "And I think what you're doing is really cool. If this is the life you feel called to—then don't give up."
Her words cut through the doubt, pulling me back to the present. The weight on my chest loosened.
I turned, returning her hug. "Thanks, Rose. I appreciate it."
She grinned before skipping off to join my mother, giggling as the baby chicks pecked at her fingers.
I exhaled, shaking off the last remnants of doubt.
Rose has always been so supportive… so loving.
I can't mess up this time.
Determination flickered in my chest, stronger than before. I need to make sure everyone stays safe.
Steeling myself, I walked over with the lambs and calves. My mother beamed at me.
"These babies are so cute, Albert," she said, laughter in her voice. "You better take good care of them."
With a warm smile, I nodded. "Of course, Mom. These babies will be our future."
Looking down, I realized the calves had somehow fallen asleep on my feet, while the lambs ran around in excited circles.
Mom snickered. "Suuure," she teased, chuckling.
A Few Hours Later
The chicken coop and barn finally arrived.
The movers set everything exactly where I wanted it, and with their help, Rose, Mom, and I finished setting up the beds and water buckets.
"Man, these babies are so cute," Rose giggled, snuggling a fluffy chick against her cheek.
I turned to find my mother staring at me.
Her gaze was deep—searching.
My stomach tightened slightly. "Uh… what's up, Mom?" I asked, offering a nervous smile.
She didn't answer right away. Just kept watching me, as if debating something.
Then, with a sigh, she spoke.
"Albert…"
I straightened.
"What is your end goal?"
The weight of her question settled over me, but this time, it didn't scare me.
I let my eyes drift over the backyard, taking in everything—the animals, the crops, the people I loved.
Finally, I met her gaze.
"Mom, my end goal is for all of us to be okay."
Silence.
Her brows furrowed. "…And how exactly are animals going to help with that?"