The evening sun cast long shadows over the farm as Shadow sat beside Lone on an old log, worn smooth from years of use. She looked away from him, her gaze distant, as if she were seeing something far away, something buried deep in her past.
"Sometimes," she began quietly, "we lose things we thought we could never live without." Her voice was steady but softened by sorrow. "I wasn't always here on this farm, you know. I had my own family once."
Shadow's ears perked up, a mix of curiosity and respect urging him to listen, to stay silent.
"I was young," Lone continued, her voice heavy with memories. "Just a scrappy dog trying to prove I could make a name for myself. But then… things changed. I lost my family in a storm." Her gaze fell to her paws. "I wandered for years, alone, afraid. Eventually, I found a home here with Mistress Sushi. She took me in when no one else would, gave me purpose. But I still missed them every day."
Shadow felt a pang of sympathy he hadn't expected. He looked over and caught a small rustling behind the barn. There, peering around the corner, were RooRoo & the three, Hanna, Helene, and Chichi, watching quietly with wide eyes. When RooRoo noticed Shadow looking their way, he raised a wing to his beak, signaling for silence, then gestured for Shadow to carry on as if he hadn't seen them.
Turning back to Lone, Shadow softened his voice. "I… I didn't know that about you. You're strong, Lone, stronger than I ever knew." His voice trembled slightly as he added, "I lost my family, too. They… they weren't the most supportive. I always felt like I was falling short. But they're gone now, and I don't know how to feel about it."
Lone reached over, placing a gentle paw on his. "You're strong, too, Shadow. Stronger than you know. Grief twists us, makes us see everything through a different lens. But you're not coping the way you should. Your family may not have seen your worth, but those around you now do." Her gaze grew intense. "It's time to let go of that weight, to stop carrying their judgment. Look at those who see you for who you really are."
Just then, the chickens could no longer contain themselves. RooRoo stepped forward, puffing out his chest and trying to look as dignified as a rooster could, while the three hens bobbed behind him.
"Ahem!" RooRoo announced. "Now, I might not say this often, but… even though you've swiped a few eggs in your day, Shadow, you're… well, you're alright." He cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with showing any affection. "In fact, cleaning the coop showed us that you're willing to work hard. So, you're alright in my book, and maybe even forgiven for, uh… all those eggs."
Hanna fluffed her feathers and nodded. "Yep! You earned a little respect today, fox."
Chichi, always the sentimental one, gave a little sigh, her eyes softening as she shyly glanced at Shadow. "You know," she chirped warmly, "you really surprised us. Not every day a fox pulls off what you just did."
Helene fluffed up beside her, feathers all askew from her usual preening routine. "Totally! I mean, look at you! Putting in all that work—who would've thought?" She tilted her head with a grin. "And here I was thinking you were just some bushy-tailed troublemaker." She gave a playful cluck, adding, "Maybe we'll keep you after all!"
The three hens exchanged approving glances, each in their own way acknowledging Shadow's efforts.
Shadow chuckled, surprised by their honesty. The words touched him more than he'd admit, bringing a warmth to his heart he hadn't felt in a long time.
Lone held out her paw, smiling gently. "And for taking care of my mistress with such heart, even when it cost you so much, you've earned my respect, too." She looked at him with sincerity. "We're here for you, Shadow."
With a pause, Shadow extended his paw, placing it over hers, feeling a surge of comfort and connection as he did. The chickens leaned in, pressing their wings in on top of his paw, forming a mismatched stack of paws, claws, and feathers.
But then Shadow's gaze shifted downward, and the warmth of the moment faltered. "I… I said something awful to my aunt." His voice broke. "She's been there for me, always, and I treated her like she was nothing."
Lone's eyes softened further. "Then you know what you need to do. Go to her, Shadow. Show her the same kindness you've shown here."
Shadow nodded, his heart heavy but resolute. He turned to the chickens, who all gave him a mixture of clucks, nods, and reassuring glances, even though Rooroo still tried to play it cool. Lone gave him an encouraging smile as he stepped back, steeling himself to make things right.
As Shadow walked away, he could hear Lone and the chickens talking, their laughter and banter fading into the evening air. And with every step he took toward home, he felt lighter, as if the weight of his grief and resentment was loosening its grip.