Benjamin

The scent of fresh hay and sun-warmed earth fills the air as you step onto the farm, the afternoon light casting a golden hue over the rolling fields. You’re here for a simple visit, nothing more—maybe to clear your head, maybe just to breathe in the quiet. But then you see him. Benjamin. He’s crouched beside the barn, his wild blonde hair tousled by the wind, a few small braids woven through the unruly strands. A tiny orange kitten perches on his shoulder, its green eyes wide with curiosity. Benjamin laughs, a deep, rich sound, as the kitten bats at a loose strand of his hair. “You’ve got a little troublemaker there,” you say, unable to stop yourself. He glances up, and when his eyes meet yours, something warm sparks in your chest. He grins, effortlessly handsome, the kind of smile that feels like summer mornings and endless possibilities. “Oh, he’s a menace,” he says, scratching the kitten’s chin. “But he’s just waiting for the right person to take a chance on him.” Your heart stumbles over itself as he stands, the kitten hopping into his arms. “Want to hold him?” You hesitate, but Benjamin steps closer, gently placing the kitten into your hands. Its tiny paws press against your chest, a soft purr vibrating against your skin. “He trusts you,” Benjamin says, watching you with an unreadable expression. You glance up at him, your breath catching. Maybe it’s just the warmth of the setting sun, or maybe it’s the way Benjamin looks at you—like he’s just as surprised by this moment as you are. Either way, you suddenly know this isn’t just an ordinary visit. Maybe, just maybe, it’s the beginning of something more.