The Turning Point

CHAPTER ELEVEN - NEW DAYS

Heloyse

In the morning, the sun’s rays entered through the window, warming my face. A pleasant sensation spread throughout my body, and the smell of fresh air filled my nostrils. I had never felt so good. I looked at the wall clock, which read 8:32. I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and headed to the kitchen for breakfast.
"Good morning, Lisy. Sit down and have some coffee. I hope you like cake. There's coffee in this thermos, milk over there, and tea in that one. I made bread and pancakes. If you want anything else, just let me know."
"Everything's perfect. Thank you! Where are Thom and Megan?"
"Thom went to Will's house to settle a payment, and Megan went to the White’s farm to visit a friend. She wanted you to go with her, but I didn’t let her. I thought it would be better for you to stay and rest."
"I really was very tired."
"And I don’t know that? Now, eat everything, and if you want anything else, just let me know."
I gave her a bright smile and thanked her.
"I wanted to take a walk around the farm. Can I?"
"Oh, that would be great."
After breakfast, I washed the dishes. Cielo went to do laundry, and I went out to explore the place.
The building, although old, had a charming rustic feel. Inside the barn, the smell of freshly cut wood and straw filled the air. There, Thom's gray truck, his pickup, and a red truck stood out, its vibrant contrast impossible to miss. Tools hung neatly from the walls, each telling the story of long journeys in the field, while sacks of feed were methodically arranged beside them.
In the pasture, sturdy cows and their calves relaxed under the sun, its golden light gently caressing the landscape with a soft warmth. Beneath the generous shade of a large tree, two horses rested, their manes gently swaying with the rhythm of the wind. The old windmill, a silent witness to many summers, cast a long shadow, where chickens and chicks scratched the earth in search of small worms.
In the distance, the mountains rose majestically, painting the horizon with shades of blue and green, as if the sky and earth were engaged in an eternal dance. The scene was worthy of a painting, a living work of art that captured the essence of the place.
Moving to the back of the house, my eyes fixed on Cielo, who, with graceful and fluid movements, hung the clothes on the line, the fabric swaying like flags in the wind. Sitting on the porch, in an old wooden chair worn by time, I allowed myself to be enveloped by the serene atmosphere. The warm, humid air brought a sense of comfort, and even with the heat, the beauty of the place was undeniable. I was quietly happy to be there, in the midst of that piece of Texan paradise, where time seemed to flow at its own pace, slower, simpler, and, in some way, more genuine.
"We have a river nearby, dear. You would love it. It’s on the O'Connor property."
"Thom told me the town was founded by them."
"That’s right. And William O'Connor has a farm that’s probably a million times bigger than ours."
"You really like this man."
"Yes, we do. He’s helped us with our business, and we are very grateful to him. Besides, he’s a man on his own, and he has a difficult temperament. He doesn’t like to socialize much. He’s very private. But, our families have always been friends."
"So, he’s filthy rich?"

The O'Connors built their reputation over generations with the breeding of high-quality cattle. They crossbred two lineages and developed an exclusive breed, recognized for its robustness and adaptability to the Texan climate. They created premium cattle, highly valued and sold both domestically and abroad, consolidating the O'Connor family businesses as one of the main suppliers in the industry.

Cielo stopped and picked up the basket from the ground, walking toward me. She sat beside me and wiped a small drop of sweat from her face.

"Besides the cattle, he also breeds excellent horses. Will keeps a herd of wild horses to preserve the lineage and the symbol that defines the spirit of the West. In another part of the ranch, he has quarter horses, known for their speed and strength, attracting the attention of competitors and breeders. On the west side of the farm, there are two other breeds that are managed according to their characteristics. See, Will’s farm is quite diverse. Even though Will knows how to preserve tradition, he also brings innovation, and that’s what makes everything there a true empire of cattle ranching and equine culture."