Mia woke up before dawn, cheerfully as usual.
Her parents, Seth and Sarah, would be up any moment, but she liked the designation of being the earliest riser in the house. Hopping out of her bed, she dressed and ran about her chores.
Fed the animals, milked the cows, gathered the eggs.
Chores that used to be shared amongst herself and her two older brothers now fell on her shoulders. They'd gone off and married, leaving the family farm behind. Of course, one would probably come back when Grandpa eventually died and Papa needed more help running the farm.
But for now, they were taking care of Uncle Trace and Aunt Annie's farm while the pair were on one of their many trips to the capital to visit the princess. Planting was nearly done for the spring, and things were fairly busy.
Basket in hand, she counted the eggs and looked sternly at the fattest hen.
