The scene before me stole the air from my lungs.
My mother stood in the middle of the wide green field, wearing a loose white dress that moved gently with the wind. An off-white lace sunhat rested on her head, casting soft shadows over her face. The breeze rolled through the grass in waves, like the land itself was breathing.
Her dress swayed as if she were dancing with the wind.
Not far from her, Nicholas teased a young lamb, careful not to get too close. He acted playful, but I could feel the alertness in him. His posture was relaxed, yet every movement said the same thing if anything happened, he would be there before danger even touched her.
That was pack instinct.
Protect first. Ask later.
I searched for Grant but didn't see him anywhere.
Beside me, Riley's eyes filled with tears. She quickly wiped them away, pretending nothing had happened. We didn't interrupt Mom while she painted. We stood there quietly, letting Riley breathe through the storm inside her chest.
