Love under the shadow of power/ Kylian Mbappé

chapter3: ON the farm

The alarm clock blared at 6 a.m., and the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. As a light sleeper, I woke almost instantly and nudged Laurin awake. We hurriedly got ready for the day ahead and made our way downstairs, where Laurin's parents were already waiting for us.

Sabrina greeted us with a friendly smile. "Good morning, girls. Did you sleep well?"

Inside, I couldn't help but think: *Do we really look like we slept well? 😩*

Josef, with a hint of guilt in his eyes, said, "You're Inaya, right? We wanted to apologize for yesterday. I understand it might have seemed strange that we asked to see your conversation with my wife as some sort of proof before bringing you on board. We're a cautious family and have had our share of disappointing experiences. I hope you don't take it to heart."

I forced a smile, though it did little to mask the pang of hurt I felt. I understand it completely," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Sabrina's eyes softened with relief. "That's good to hear. We chose you from the volunteer app because we liked your interview and the way you spoke to me."

A voice in my head whispered: *Oh, thanks, but I wrote my application with ChatGPT 🙃*

Sabrina continued, "By the way, I'm Sabrina, and this is my husband, Josef. We've lived here for many years and have two children. Our only son is already married, and his wife is expecting a baby. And yes, you already know Laurin."

Josef, shifting his tone to something more commanding, said, "Alright, enough with the small talk. It's time to get to work there's a lot to be done!"

He led me outside to the yard and began showing me the tasks for the day. First, he showed me how to milk the cows. I used to know how to do this as a child, but time had eroded my skills. Josef patiently guided me through each step, while Laurin stood beside me, watching intently.

Laurin offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it quickly. Just let me know if you need any help."

"Yes, I will," I replied, trying to steady my nerves.

Once the cows were tended to, we moved on to the chicken coop. Sabrina explained how to feed the chickens and collect the eggs.

"Be gentle with the eggs," she advised. " and don't break them."

I collected the eggs carefully, while Sabrina is watching me. Laurin helped, too, but she was careful not to overextend herself. Our last task before lunch took us to the vegetable field, where Josef taught me how to harvest ripe tomatoes and zucchinis.

"Make sure you pick only the ripe ones," Josef instructed.

"Yes, I've got it," I said, trying to sound confident. 😌

With Laurin's help, we finished the harvesting earlier than expected. By lunchtime, exhaustion was beginning to set in.

"Finally, time for a meal," I said, my hunger making me sound more dramatic than I intended. "I'm so dead hungry." 😭

We gathered at the table and began eating. 

Josef clears his throat, his voice steady but carrying a hint of emotion. "We have something important to tell you," he begins, looking at us with a serious expression. "We've been watching how hard you've both worked today, and we're really impressed. That's why we've made a decision we're going to take a two-week vacation. The farm will be in safe hands with you two."

Sabrina, her eyes soft with both concern and excitement, chimes in, "We're heading to Berlin, and we hope it won't be too much of a burden for you."

Laurin,reassuring, smiles confidently. "That's no problem at all," she says. "We're adults, and we can handle it. Please don't worry about us. We'll manage everything together, easily. Just enjoy your time and don't forget to bring me a little souvenir something you pick out just for me."

Sabrina laughs softly, the tension easing from her face. "Of course, we'll bring something special for you. And Inaya," she turns to me, her voice warm, "what would you like us to bring you?"

I feel a sudden wave of surprise and a little embarrassment as everyone looks at me. "Me?" I stammer, my cheeks flushing slightly. "Um, maybe just a keychain with the name of the city on it?"

Josef chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just that? Alright, we'll make sure to get one for you."

The atmosphere in the room shifts to one of quiet excitement as they begin to pack their things. By around 3 p.m., we stand outside, watching as they drive off in their car, waving them goodbye. The farm seems a little quieter,

Laurin: 📢 "Ahhhhhhhh, we finally did it!"

Me: "Hey, calm down, or they'll come back after hearing you scream."

Laurin laughs, a mix of excitement and relief. "Haha, let's hope not! But we did it, Inaya! My parents are finally gone. Do you know what that means? Now they can't complain if we get home late."

I give her a serious look. "Laurin, that's not right. Your parents trust us, and we can't disappoint them."

Laurin waves off my concern with a grin. "Don't worry, we won't. But first, let's get changed; we have to go to the doctor today."

I nod, trying to shake off the unease. "Oh right, then let's get changed quickly and go."

A short while later, I'm sitting in Laurin's car, my heart racing. I keep telling myself that everything will be okay, but the fear lingers. This decision feels overwhelming, but we don't have any other choice. So, let's just do it....