Short Stories

A Family of Three

It was a scorching summer day as the train rattled over the heated metal rails, the sound of its wheels clanging rhythmically against the tracks. The air inside the train was thick and stagnant, offering little relief from the oppressive heat outside. Through the dusty windows, the landscape blurred by, dry fields stretching endlessly under the merciless sun.

Passengers sat silently, fanning themselves with whatever they could find—newspapers, hats, even their hands. The low hum of the engine was the only constant, accompanied by the occasional sigh or shifting of uncomfortable bodies.

In one of the compartments, a young woman stared out at the horizon, her thoughts miles away, carried by the rhythmic motion of the train. Sweat trickled down her neck, and she absentmindedly wiped it away, her mind too preoccupied to notice the discomfort.

Her smile was bright despite the discomfort. She was visiting her dream farm, the place she had imagined for years, and she was probably going to purchase it. The heat and the long train ride didn't matter—today felt like the beginning of something new, something that could finally be hers. The idea of walking through the fields, breathing in the scent of fresh earth, and caring for the animals filled her with anticipation.

She could already picture it: rows of crops swaying in the breeze, a cozy farmhouse with weathered wood, and the sound of animals in the distance. The farm had been listed for sale for months, but she hadn't been able to visit until now. Today, she would see it with her own eyes.

The train began to slow, and her heart raced a little. She adjusted her bag on her lap, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness bubble up. This was it.

She stepped off the train as the only passenger, the others bound for the big city, five stops away. With a deep breath, she began walking along the path toward her little dream, waiting just around the bend. The scenery was stunning—rolling fields and open skies—so perfect that even the heat couldn't diminish the moment.

As she turned a gentle curve in the path, there it was. The little farm, its barn painted in a faded, chipped red, sat nestled at the foot of a breathtaking hill, with a small patch of forest crowning its peak. The sight made her heart flutter. It was even better in person.

She took her time walking down towards the farm, every step pulling her closer to the life she had envisioned. The worn-down charm of the place only added to its beauty. This was her dream come true.

She met the owners, a couple expecting their first child, who were eager to show her around. They had already bought an apartment in the city and were looking forward to their new life. The wife mentioned that her husband had recently been hired as a consultant, securing a stable, well-paying job for their future.

The woman congratulated them, and in turn, they asked what had drawn her to buy a farm. With a smile, she admitted that she had come into a substantial amount of money through her divorce. Her kids had chosen to stay with their father, who could spoil them more easily, except for her youngest, who had always dreamed of living on a farm. His dream had soon become hers.

The couple offered their condolences, but she assured them it wasn't necessary. Her husband hadn't loved her, only the inheritance he thought she would someday receive.

As they continued talking, it became clear that the purchase was practically settled. The farmer gave her his number in case she ever needed advice, mentioning that the farm came with a skilled employee who could show her the ropes. He explained that the young man, an orphan, had been with them for a year and had proven to be excellent at his work.

Two days later, the woman brought her youngest to see the farm. He ran around excitedly, taking in the sights of the animals, the open spaces, and his new home. His eyes sparkled with life and wonder as he explored every corner, filled with joy at the realization that this was now his reality.

They soon met the young man who worked on the farm. He stood by, watching the boy with a small smile, but there was an uncertainty in his eyes. He seemed unsure whether he would still have his job now that the farm had transferred ownership.

The woman made it clear to the young man that while she didn't know much about farm life, she was eager to learn. Her goal was to fulfill her son's dream, and she admitted that taking care of the farm would be impossible without his help. Relieved, the young man smiled and began showing them around, guiding them through the daily routines and the ins and outs of the farm. The woman was fascinated by everything, her excitement growing with each new lesson.

She threw herself into farm life with enthusiasm. She cared for the animals, learning how to feed and tend to them, while also finding time for her own passion—painting. The farmhouse got a fresh coat of red paint, and soon after, she began decorating it with colorful patterns. Flowers, sheep, cows, and chickens adorned the walls, bringing the place to life. Her son, full of ideas, insisted that an elephant be included, so she happily added one to the mural.

The young man chuckled every time he passed by the house, amused by the vibrant, whimsical artwork. Despite the change in ownership, the farm adapted well to its new caretakers. The woman and her son settled into the routine quickly, never stressing about money, and enjoying their newfound life together on the farm.

It didn't take long for the woman to notice that the young man always ate by himself. It didn't sit well with her, so she insisted that he dine with them. At first unsure, the young man soon found himself treated like a reliable older brother by her son, who had never formed a real connection with his own older siblings.

The young man showed the boy how to drive the tractor, and even let him ride on the donkey. The woman often smiled as she watched them together. There wasn't a better decision she could have made than moving out of the city, she thought. It had been suffocating there, but here, she could be herself—painting, caring for something that truly appreciated her in return.

The young man quickly became the boy's favorite person, aside from his mom. In his eyes, there was nobody cooler than his new "older brother," and when he told him this, the young man had to fight back tears of happiness.

From that moment, the woman insisted he join them for every meal, taking him under her wing as one of her own. The two boys began affectionately calling her "Mama Hen" and chuckled every time they saw the chickens painted on the barn.

Mama Hen embraced her role, caring for both of them as if they were her own. She even knitted each of them a blanket, personalized with their favorite animal stitched into the fabric. They had sleepovers on the dry hay in the barn, telling stories and laughing late into the night. One evening, while the young man was in the middle of a horror story, a chicken snuck in and caused chaos, sending them all screaming—including the chicken. The sleepover ended with laughter, a memorable night they wouldn't soon forget.

The woman later painted a new sign for the farm that read, A Family of Three, and underneath, And Many More, with a lucky horseshoe next to it.

The farm was always a lively place, filled with color and energy, and they quickly became well-known at the farmers market. Their cheerful, chaotic presence was heartwarming to all who watched. Visitors to the farm were always greeted by the vibrant sign, A Family of Three, and it didn't take long for the name to stick. No one knew who said it first, but soon enough, the whole community started calling the place by that name.