My brothers best friend

Chapter 28: Karen Critiques, Jake Defends

Chapter 28

Valerie's Point of View

Five days. I couldn't believe we had already been here for five days. Time had flown by in a blur of sunlit afternoons, laughter, and moments of quiet connection. But it was hard to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest when I realized that we only had two more days left on the farm. It felt like I had just started to feel at home, and now the thought of leaving already seemed too soon.

The days here had been the kind I'd never thought I would experience again. The kind of days where I didn't feel like I was merely existing, but truly living. I'd laughed more in the past five days than I had in months, and there was a lightness in my heart that had been missing for far too long. I had never thought I'd find this kind of peace, but here, surrounded by Jack's endless energy, Abuela's wisdom, and Jake's quiet steadiness, I felt it. And now, it was almost time to go.

I refused to let that sadness define the last days, though. I wasn't going to let the clock run out without making the most of the time I had left. I wanted to give something back to the people who had given me so much—who had welcomed me into their lives when I was at my lowest. They had shown me kindness and patience without asking for anything in return. Now, I wanted to show my gratitude.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I knew what I wanted to do.

I found Jack in the backyard, as usual, running around with a stick that he was pretending was a sword. I couldn't help but smile at his antics as I approached him.

"Jack," I called, and he stopped, grinning up at me with that mischievous look that always made me laugh.

"Yeah, Valerie?" he asked, his hand still gripping the stick like a knight's sword.

"Do you want to come with me to the supermarket?" I asked, making sure to keep my voice casual.

His eyes lit up. "Are we buying cookies?"

I chuckled. "No, not this time. We're buying things for dinner. I'm going to cook us a Thanksgiving feast."

Jack's grin widened. "A feast? What's a feast?"

"A big meal," I explained, "with turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. It's a special dinner. And I want to make it because I'm really grateful for everything you've all done for me."

Jack nodded solemnly, his expression almost too serious for someone his age. "Okay! I'll help you! I know where the best stuff is!" he said, practically bouncing on his feet.

I ruffled his hair, grateful for his excitement. It would be good to have his company. He had a way of making even the most mundane tasks feel like an adventure.

We climbed into the truck, Jack's small voice jabbering excitedly about everything he thought we might need for the dinner. "We should get lots of potatoes!" he declared, bouncing in his seat. "And carrots! And those things that are all brown and round... I think they're sweet potatoes! Can we get marshmallows, too?"

I laughed, nodding. "Sure, we'll get marshmallows."

The trip to the supermarket was filled with Jack's endless chatter and my quiet contentment as I pushed the cart up and down the aisles. By the time we returned, the truck was packed with everything we needed for the feast.

Jake was waiting for us by the porch, wiping his hands on a towel. His smile was quiet but warm as he watched Jack sprinting toward the house with his bag of marshmallows held high like a trophy.

Jake stepped closer, his attention settling on me. "You look happy," he said, his voice calm but full of something unspoken.

"I am," I said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I was just thinking about how much being here has meant to me. You didn't have to take me in, but you did. And it's been..." I trailed off, struggling to find the right words.