The sun had dipped low enough to cast a warm, golden hue over the fields as the boys made their way back from the market, the last hums of the crowd fading behind them.
The gravel path beneath their feet crunched softly with every step, birds calling from treetops, and the breeze lazily stirring the tips of the tall grass.
Billy slowed down, nudging Artur's elbow. "Let's stop by the fence."
Artur turned to him, one brow lifting. "You want to see the animals again?"
Billy gave him a soft smile. "I like seeing them. And they'll probably like seeing you too."
Artur rolled his eyes, but his smile betrayed him. "You just want to feed the sheep."
"I want to feed the sheep with you," Billy corrected, already veering off the path.
The familiar wooden fence came into view, worn but sturdy, the kind Mr. Dand had built by hand.
Behind it, a few sheep lazily grazed near the far corner, their wool thick and slightly dusted from the field.
