The Kent family farm stretched wide beneath the soft glow of a Kansas sunset, wheat fields rolling like golden waves beyond the white fences. Tim sat a little stiff in the saddle, clearly more comfortable analyzing evidence files than guiding a horse through the pasture. Conner, though, looked at home—laughing as his mare picked up speed, hair whipping in the breeze.

“Relax, city boy,” Conner called over his shoulder. “You don’t need to out-think the horse. Just… trust her.”

Tim’s brow furrowed, but eventually he eased his grip, letting the rhythm of the animal carry him forward. They spent the afternoon riding trails, mending a fence post that had come loose, and helping Ma Kent collect fresh vegetables from the garden. When the chores were done, they collapsed in the grass near the barn, fireflies blinking to life around them.

Conner tossed a blade of hay at Tim’s shoulder.

“See? Not so bad. Country life suits you.”

Tim smirked, rolling his eyes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, farm boy. I’m still not milking a cow.”

Conner grinned, leaning closer, his voice softening.

“Good thing I don’t like you for your farm skills.”

The night carried on quiet and steady, the warmth of the fields wrapping around them, both boys discovering that maybe the farm had a way of slowing down even the busiest of hearts.