the first light of morning spilled across the fields as vi trudged toward the barn, boots damp with dew and flannel rolled up to her elbows. the livestock were already stirring—cows lowing, pigs snorting, chickens flapping lazily down from their roosts. vi moved through them like part of the land itself, rough hands steady, voice low and kind. she'd never been much for words, but the animals didn't need them. they just needed showing up, every day, rain or shine—and vi was good at that. vi had always been good at just showing up. even for her conservative family who were very shocked to hear that their baby was a butch lesbian.

back in the house, caitlyn was tying on her apron, humming a quiet tune as she set dough to rise near the sunlit window. their doberman, bear, padded after her, his nails clicking on the wood floor. the orchard could wait; mornings were for soft routines--which caitlyn loved. vi knew how she got when her routine was off, or if something went slightly wrong. her morning was the same; grinding coffee, folding linens, opening the windows wide to let in the scent of earth and clover. she glanced out toward the barn and saw vi moving among the animals, and a familiar warmth bloomed in her chest. that was her wife. stubborn, strong, and hers.

vi came in smelling like hay and sunshine, sweat glistening at her temple. caitlyn met her at the door with a clean towel and a kiss that lingered just long enough to make vi smirk.

“you look like you've been wrestling the cows again, honey,” caitlyn teased, brushing straw from vi's shoulder.

“nah” vi drawled, “just had to remind 'em who’s boss.”

they laughed, sat down for breakfast, and slipped into the easy rhythm of their life—words coming and going, touches exchanged without thought, like breathing. vi exhaled slow, the weight of the world easing off her shoulders. home wasn’t just the land or the house—it was caitlyn beside her, every day, in this quiet little piece of forever. that's what she was grateful for.

“whatcha make for breakfast, darlin'?”