| October 2, 2023 – 2:30 AM
The truck's headlights cut through the darkness, the familiar gravel driveway crunching under the tires as Lin finally pulled onto the farm.
She was exhausted. Seven hours of driving, four dogs in the truck, and a Doberman puppy that had spent the last two hours trying to chew on the gear shift.
But the moment she saw Richard standing on the porch, arms crossed, grinning like a kid on Christmas? She knew the trip had been worth it.
Helen sighed, stretching. "Your father's been waiting up for us."
Lin smirked. "Of course he has. He loves dogs more than people."
Richard called out as they parked, his voice full of amusement. "Took you long enough! Thought you two got lost."
Lin hopped out, stretching her sore legs. "Seven-hour drive, Dad. Be grateful I didn't leave Mom on the side of the road."
Helen shot her a glare. "You wouldn't survive without me."
Lin grinned. "Fair point."
The moment Richard saw the three golden retrievers in the backseat, tails wagging happily, and the small Doberman puppy curled up in Lin's arms? His whole face lit up.
"Now that's a damn good sight."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "You approve?"
Richard walked up, scratching behind one of the retrievers' ears. "Good dogs. Smart choice. But…" His eyes flicked to Rex, who was watching him with sharp, curious eyes. "What's this little troublemaker?"
Lin smirked. "My dog."
Richard let out a deep laugh. "A Doberman, huh? You're in for a ride, kid."
Lin just grinned, adjusting Rex in her arms. "Yeah. I know."
Helen shook her head, already grabbing supplies from the truck. "Alright, enough talking. Let's get them settled before I fall asleep standing up."
Richard grabbed a leash, clearly already in love with the new additions. "Welcome home, pups."
And just like that, the farm had grown a little bigger.
| October 2, 2023 – 2:45 AM
Richard whistled, slapping his hands together. "Alright, pups. Let's show you where you'll be staying."
The golden retrievers trotted after him immediately, tails wagging, already trusting. Rex, however, stayed glued to Lin's side, ears twitching as he observed everything like he was already plotting a takeover.
Lin smirked. "He's suspicious."
Richard chuckled. "Smart dog. But he'll like what I built."
They walked around the side of the farmhouse, where a freshly built, well-constructed dog house stood under the cover of a sturdy awning.
But calling it a dog house didn't do it justice.
✔ Spacious, insulated interior – Enough room for all four dogs to sleep comfortably.
✔ Individual bedding spaces – No fighting for the best spot.
✔ Built-in food and water stations – Set up under a raised platform to keep things clean.
✔ A secured outdoor pen – Giving them space to roam while staying safe.
Helen raised an eyebrow. "You built all this?"
Richard smirked, arms crossed. "You two were gone for over fourteen hours. I had time."
Lin let out a low whistle. "This is nicer than my first apartment."
Richard huffed a laugh. "Told you I wanted dogs around. Just needed an excuse."
Lin knelt, letting Rex sniff the entrance. "Go on, check it out."
The Doberman puppy hesitated for exactly two seconds before trotting inside, head high, as if inspecting his new kingdom. The goldens followed, already sniffing around, tails wagging in approval.
Richard watched them settle in, arms resting on his hips. "They'll be happy here."
Helen gave him a look. "And you?"
Richard grinned. "Oh, I'm already happy."
Lin shook her head, amused. "You're gonna end up spoiling them worse than Mom spoils me."
Richard smirked. "Not possible."
Helen rolled her eyes. "Alright, enough admiration. We need sleep."
Lin clapped her hands. "Enjoy your palace, dogs. Don't expect breakfast in bed."
Rex curled up in the corner but kept one sharp eye on Lin.
Lin pointed at him. "Don't look at me like that. You're already spoiled."
Rex just yawned, completely unbothered.
Richard patted Lin on the shoulder as they walked back toward the house. "Good call on the dogs."
Lin smiled slightly. "Yeah. I think so too."
| October 2, 2023 – 3:15 AM
Lin had just kicked off her boots, ready to collapse into bed, when her phone buzzed violently on the nightstand.
She groaned, rubbing her eyes before checking the caller ID.
Unknown Number.
Her instincts went sharp.
She answered, voice steady despite the exhaustion. "Lin Zhang."
A panicked male voice came through. "Is this the vet clinic? I—I need help! It's my cows!"
Lin was already moving, grabbing her jacket. "Slow down. What's wrong?"
"They're collapsing! Four already down, and I don't know what's happening!" The man's breathing was frantic. "Please, I called every vet in the county, and no one's answering!"
Lin threw open her door, already heading for Helen's room. "Where are you located?"
"Dawson Farms! Just fifteen minutes west of town!"
Lin shoved Helen's door open without hesitation. "Mom. We got a call."
Helen was instantly awake, years of medical training kicking in. "What is it?"
Lin held up her phone. "Cows collapsing. Multiple down. Could be poisoning, infection—either way, it's bad."
Helen was already grabbing her medical bag. "Tell them we're coming."
Lin put the phone back to her ear. "We're on our way. Keep them calm, don't move the sick ones, and don't let the other cows near them until we get there."
"Okay—okay, hurry, please!"
The call ended.
Lin grabbed her keys, racing out the door with Helen right behind her.
Richard met them at the truck, already awake, already knowing. "I'll get the lights on in the clinic for when you get back."
Lin nodded once. "Good."
Helen jumped into the passenger seat, bag secured at her feet.
Lin threw the truck into gear, tires spitting gravel as they sped off into the dark.
The clinic had been open for less than a day.
And it was already being put to the test.