Mary, "and how old are you?" "I'm ten," replied Della, "but I feel like a grown-up." Mary giggled. "You act like one too! I can't wait to explore more of the farm." Della nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go see the cows again! I want to feed them." As they chatted, I settled down beside Mary, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle sway of the hammock. The peacefulness of the farm was a stark contrast to the chaos of the city, and I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't experienced before. After a while, the girls decided to venture back to the barn. We made our way through the lush grass, the scent of wildflowers filling the air. The barn was bustling with activity; Denno was busy organizing the tools, and the cows were mooing softly, waiting for their afternoon feeding. Della rushed ahead, her excitement palpable. "Come on, Mary! Let's see if we can find the calves!" she called out, her voice ringing with joy. Mary followed closely, and I trotted behind, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. Inside the barn, we found the calves playing in their pen, their playful antics bringing smiles to our faces. Della squealed with delight as she reached out to pet one of the calves, her small hands gently stroking its soft fur. "They're so cute!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. As the afternoon wore on, we explored every nook and cranny of the farm. We visited the vegetable garden, where rows of vibrant greens and colorful vegetables thrived under the sun. Mary and Della helped Denno pick some fresh carrots and radishes, their laughter echoing through the fields. Later, we returned to the house, where Mrs. Gleason had prepared a delicious snack of fresh bread and butter, accompanied by sweet apple cider. We gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter, the warmth of the family atmosphere enveloping us. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this new life in Maine. The worries of the city seemed like a distant memory, replaced by the simple joys of farm life. That evening, as I curled up on the soft feather bed beside Mary, I reflected on the day's adventures. I had made new friends, explored the beauty of the countryside, and found a sense of peace that I had longed for. I knew that this summer in Maine would be filled with more discoveries and cherished moments, and I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
By Marshall Saunders · First published 1898 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 20 chapters