Page 23 of Your Love

“They are,” I reply before turning to Paisley, my eyes scanning her face for any sign of understanding. She meets my gaze with a sad expression. “Did you know pigs are really smart?” I say, hoping to lighten the mood. But her sadness only seems to deepen. I glance over at Landry, and he gives me a knowing look. He knows what she’s thinking.

“Don’t worry, Pais,” Landry says. “These pigs aren’t being killed for food. They live here on the farm like pets.”

“Exactly,” I chime in. “This isn’t a meat farm like some others. These animals live out their lives happily. No need to be sad.”

After spending some time with the pigs, we hop into the golf cart and head to the other side of the farm, closer to the barn. We pass a few milk cows, who are aptly named Janet, Chrissy, and Jack, after the trio of characters from the television show “Three’s Company.”

As we observe the cows munching on their feed, I take the opportunity to explain the milking process to Paisley and a curious Landry. They both lean forward, eyes wide with curiosity, as Landry fires off insightful questions.

We continue our ride along the bumpy dirt road toward the chicken coop and Landry gazes out at the vast expanse of land. “This place is huge,” he comments, turning to me with wide eyes. “How did Earl manage it all by himself for so long?”

I shrug. “He’s had some help here and there, and now that I’m around, I pitch in as much as I can.”

He nods. “What about when you head off to college?”

I sigh, looking out at the fields and pastures. “He’s going to need some help. I won’t be able to do anything from six hours away.” I stop for a moment to let the thought sink in before shaking my head and chasing it away. I stop the golf cart in front of the coup. “We’re here!”

“Is this where he lives?”

“Stop being so dramatic, Landry. It’s not like he has a grudge against you. It’s Taz that he’s made his mortal enemy.”

“When you put it that way, it sounds pretty good,” he chuckles.

I turn to Paisley. “So, this is the chicken coop. Most of the chickens are easygoing. None of them are broody right now. You’ll get to meet Buzzy, Betty Davis Thighs, Eunice, Bertha, Beatrice, Ethel, Winifred, and a few new chicks. I’ve named one of them ‘Lou’. We also have a rooster. He’s a bit strange. His name is Colonel Cocky.”

Paisley screws her face up and tightens her lips, trying not to laugh.

“He’s a bit temperamental,” I say.

“The word you’re looking for is ‘evil.’” Landry corrects me.

“Stop,” I say as I push him, but he doesn’t move. It’s like pushing against a brick wall.

Paisley tiptoes beside me, her small hand gripping mine. Her other hand reaches out to gently stroke Bertha’s feathers. She then moves on to Beatrice. The two animals are at ease with her. She has a lovely, soft touch with the animals.

Then Cocky makes his grand entrance. He struts haughtily out from his spot on the side of the barn in all of his balding glory. Knowing he can be territorial, I approach him first, but he saunters past me with disinterest.

My eyebrows knit together as I observe him walking towards Paisley. Landry stands protectively nearby, his eyes never leaving the situation. Paisley kneels down, and the creature my friends refer to as the “The Devil Dinosaur” confidently struts over to her. Landry and I exchange a knowing glance as we witness their unexpected bond unfold before our eyes.

Cocky lounges at her feet, his calm demeanor radiating relaxation. Without hesitation, she reaches out and runs her hand over his back, and he responds by closing his eyes in contentment.

“Animals have a way of picking up on good energy,” I remark, watching the two interact. “I think he recognizes her kind nature.”

As Landry begins to speak, a sudden sound interrupts us. Amidst the sounds of clucking chickens, a high-pitched giggle escapes from Paisley’s lips. The Colonel is snuggled against her hand and appears to be dozing off. But as Paisley continues to laugh, it becomes clear that it is not a simple chuckle. It is a full-body laughter that starts at her toes and rises until she can no longer contain it.

Landry sprints over and drops to his knees in front of his sister. He pulls her into a tight hug, and I can see her small body shake with laughter against his chest. “Paisley, that laugh is music to my ears,” he says with a grin. She looks up at him with sparkling eyes, beaming with joy.

I watch them through teary eyes, so honored to be able to witness this moment.

Cocky dashes away, happy to be the hero for the day, as Landry and Paisley hug. After a moment, Paisley wriggles out of his hold and runs off to play with the fluffy yellow chicks. Meanwhile, Landry turns towards me with a smile on his face and takes a few quick strides to close the gap between us.

Suddenly, I’m lifted up into the air and spun around in a circle before being placed back onto the ground. I let out a delighted squeal as Landry grins down at me, enjoying my reaction.

“Kerri, did you hear that?” Landry asks excitedly.

“I did!”

“She laughed,” he says in amazement. “She actually laughed.”