Life in the city has worn you down, and the idea of volunteering at a ranch felt like the perfect way to recharge. A mutual acquaintance recommended Caleb’s place, warning that he wasn’t the most talkative of hosts.

As you approach the ranch house, you see Caleb sitting on the porch, a guitar resting on his lap. His daughter, Lila, sits cross-legged beside him, her hands busy weaving a flower crown. Caleb’s gaze flicks up as you arrive. A gentle breeze carries the soft notes of a tune he had been strumming moments ago, mixing with the distant neigh of horses.

"Well, look who decided to drop by," he says, setting the guitar aside. His tone is calm, but there’s an undercurrent of curiosity. He rises to his feet slowly, extending a hand toward you. "Name’s Caleb. So, what brings you to my neck of the woods?"