The Herds; Lily's Song

With Lily nestled securely between them, Vincent and Isabella led the way out into the crisp morning air, the sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. They approached the fenced enclosure beside the hut. It was surrounded by villagefolk. Lily's eyes widened with wonder at the sight of the sheep grazing peacefully within.

"Wow! Are those… sheep?" Lily exclaimed, as she ran to the wooden fences, resting her chin on them.

"Yes, sweetheart. We brought them home for you, our shepherdess." Vincent said.

"Can I go in!? Pleeeease?" she begged with her hands clasped together. 

The villagers watched in awe as Vincent nodded, and carefully opened the fence gate. He entered the enclosure with Lily and Isabella. Lily's eyes sparkled with delight as she reached out to stroke the soft wool of one of the sheep, her laughter mingling with the gentle bleating of the animals.

"They're so… so… soft!" Lily giggled, her fingers tangling in the sheep's wool as it nuzzled against her hand. Vincent and Isabella watched with smiles as Lily interacted with the sheep. 

"I love them, Mama! Papa! Thank you!" Lily laughed, throwing her arms around her parents in a tight hug.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Isabella said, smiling. Then she grinned and pulled Vincent close for another family hug. When suddenly, a familiar voice of an old man, rough like gravel called out. "My God! Good God! Oh! My eyes! They really are real!" grandpa exclaimed, as he hurriedly made his way to the loving family and the herd of sheep, trying not to fall over. 

"Careful dad!" Vincent laughed as he watched the old man in joy.

"Oh my God… my ancestors did not lie! They are real! I have never seen one in person! This is amazing!" grandpa chuckled.

"Wait, you haven't?" Vincent asked.

"Nope! Never!" 

"Then what about what you told us?"

"I heard those from my ancestors! I just wanted to make you more excited so you could bring them here! Thank you! Thank you both!" grandpa laughed.

Vincent chuckled. "Well, you certainly succeeded, Dad. I don't think I've ever seen you so thrilled."

With a smile, Vincent reached out to his father, pulling him into a warm hug. "Thank you, Dad." he said softly. "For everything."

Grandpa returned the embrace, his heart full of love for his son and his growing family. "No, son." he replied. "Thank you."

Suddenly, everyone cheered and applauded for them and the discovery of sheep. It was a jolt for the family because they had totally forgotten that everyone else was watching the sheep too. Lily joined in the clapping and cheering, which caused the crowd to applaud even louder. 

Grandpa, his eyes shining with joy, approached the family. "Vincent, Isabella, my dear Lily, I cannot express how grateful I am for what you have done today." he said. "My grandparents… and theirs too, would be proud."

Vincent nodded. "Damn right, I'm your son after all."

"Grandpa…!" Lily called out. "Can I sing that song you've taught me!? Please!?" she begged.

Vincent chimed in. "He taught you a song? Let us hear it!" he laughed, and so did Lily's mother.

Grandpa chuckled. "There'll never be a better time than this! Go on, our sheep queen!" said grandpa, as the crowd fell silent, waiting for Lily to begin.

She took a deep breath, trying not to giggle. Then, she finally began, her voice like a soothing melody.

"...In the morning light so bright…

With family by my side so tight,

We'll walk through forests green

With love like we've never seen.

Through fields of flowers, we'll roam, 

With smiles that light up our home, 

Hand in hand, we'll skip and run, 

Underneath the golden sun.

In the morning light so bright,

With family by my side so tight.

In nature's hug, we'll find our way, 

With love that's here to stay, 

We'll laugh and sing and play, 

In nature's arms, we'll sway.

With every tree and every breeze, 

Nature whispers melodies, 

In every flower's gentle bloom, 

Love will chase away the gloom.

In nature's hug, we'll find our way,

With love that's here to stay, 

We'll sing our song so free, 

In nature's love, we'll be…

In the morning light so bright,

With family by my side so tight,

We'll walk through forests green

With love like we've never seen."

Tears of joy streamed down Lily's cheeks as Vincent scooped her up into a tight hug, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. Isabella joined them, wrapping her arms around both of them from behind, her own eyes glistening with emotion. Grandpa, standing nearby, chuckled through his tears, his heart overflowing. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause once more, their voices rising like a chorus of birdsong in the forest. They repeated Lily's heartfelt lines, their voices rising and falling like waves of the sea.

"In the morning light so bright." they sang, their voices blending harmoniously with the rustling of leaves and the soft bleating of the sheep. "With family by my side so tight."

Lily buried her face in Vincent's shoulder, touched by the outpouring of love and support from the villagers. Indeed, it was enough to make even the hardiest people cry. And grandpa was one of them.