Chapter 1

The morning sun began to rise over the fields, bathing the farm in a soft light that made the dew drops on the crop leaves sparkle. Alex, with his hands in his pockets, walked along the main path of the farm while the five dogs trotted at his side, watchful and loyal. It was always a sight to see how his dogs, of different breeds, moved in perfect coordination without him having to say a word.

At the head was a Belgian Malinois, whose boundless energy seemed to push the others to move. Further back, a large St. Bernard, slower but reliable, followed with steady steps, while a Border Collie, always alert, zigzagged through the group as if always looking for something to do. Alongside them, a Doberman walked with an elegance that contrasted with the rest's energy. Finally, an Akita Inu, with a calm gaze but palpable strength, closed the formation.

"What would I do without you, huh?" Alex murmured with a smile as he gently patted the Belgian Malinois on the head. The dog tilted its head, attentive to any signal from its owner. Alex often spoke softly while working on the farm. It was a habit he had adopted over the years. Not that he expected a response, but he knew his dogs understood more than they seemed to.

In the distance, a couple of workers were inspecting the machines that managed the irrigation of the crops. They were just a group of ten, but the automation of the farm made the work flow smoothly. Alex preferred it that way; fewer people, fewer problems, and the machines made the work more efficient. The land seemed to take care of itself with modern technology. All it needed was constant supervision, and he took care of overseeing it.

He passed by the sheep pen, where some of the animals stirred at the sight of him walking by. "Easy, girls, it's not feeding time yet," he commented as he watched them from the other side of the fence. His dogs seemed interested as well, especially the Border Collie, who gave the sheep a quick glance, as if ready to work if Alex asked.

He continued walking, listening as the workers on the other side of the fields adjusted a couple of tilling machines. The constant hum of machinery was something he had grown used to. It no longer seemed strange to hear those sounds instead of the typical shouts and calls of a traditional farm. Here, technology had taken over almost everything, and while Alex enjoyed direct contact with the animals, he couldn't deny that the machines made his job much easier.

He stopped by one of the water tanks, where pipes carried the vital liquid to the crops. Alex checked the pressure gauges, one of the few tasks he still liked doing manually. "Everything's in order," he said to himself, satisfied with what he saw. Around him, the dogs continued patrolling the area, as if they couldn't relax for a second.

In the distance, the sun began to intensify, and Alex could see the automatic milking system already in full operation with the cows. The system was efficient—the cows entered, settled in, and the machines did the rest. He remembered when that process took hours of manual labor and how it had been a relief to delegate it to the new machines.

"Remember how it used to be, Rex?" Alex said, addressing the St. Bernard, who watched him with its large dark eyes. "We used to spend hours here, huh? Now everything's different." The dog tilted its head as if it understood, and Alex couldn't help but smile.

As he approached the stables, he noticed that the horses were also calm. Another group of workers was checking the fences and making sure everything was in place. Horses were noble creatures, strong and very useful on the farm, but over the years, Alex had delegated much of the heavy work to the machines. The horses were now used more for light transport within the property and occasionally for rides that Alex liked to take when time allowed.

As he walked, Alex carefully observed every little detail of the farm. Not because he expected to find something out of place, but because that was his nature. He had grown up in this place, seen how it changed over time, and how it adapted to advances. Yet at its core, life on the farm remained the same: taking care of the animals, making sure everything worked as it should, and ensuring that the natural cycles continued.

As he passed by the chicken coop, the hens clucked softly. They seemed oblivious to everything, focused on their simple but important task of laying eggs. Alex watched them with a smile before continuing. The Border Collie, always eager to do something, approached the coop and began trotting around, as if waiting for Alex to give him an order to round them up.

"Come on, Max," Alex said with a soft whistle. The Border Collie responded immediately, returning to his side with boundless enthusiasm. Alex enjoyed the company of his dogs more than he would admit aloud. There was something about their loyalty, about how they were always there, ready for anything, that gave him a sense of peace.

The minutes passed leisurely. Alex stopped in front of one of the huge harvest machines, watching as it collected crops with almost mechanical precision. One of the workers, María, passed by him, greeting him with a wave. Alex returned the gesture with a nod, watching as she and another worker checked that everything was running smoothly.

The day had just begun, but Alex already felt the weight of the tasks ahead of him. Despite all the technology and automation, there was always something to do on the farm. Checking water levels, overseeing crop growth, ensuring the machines were in good condition... and of course, taking care of the animals. The dogs, as always, stayed close, never letting him out of their sight.

Finally, Alex reached a small hill that overlooked a large part of the farm. From there, he could see the fields stretching to the horizon, the grazing areas, the pens, and the facilities where equipment was stored. Everything was calm. It was a good day, one of those days when the work flowed without setbacks, and that gave him a certain peace.

"Everything seems in order," he murmured to himself, watching the dogs now resting near him. It seemed even they felt there wasn't much to worry about today. But Alex knew that on a farm, things could change quickly. A machine malfunction, a sick animal, or anything else could disrupt the routine in an instant. For now, he enjoyed the moment of tranquility.

Alex walked down the small hill and headed towards the crop area, where a variety of fruit trees stood in perfectly aligned rows. Cherry, apple, and orange trees offered a mix of vibrant colors under the sun, with fruits beginning to ripen. This was one of his favorite corners of the farm. Despite all the technology that made his job easier, there was something about watching a fruit tree grow that reminded him of the simplicity of life.

"Everything looks good around here," he said aloud, looking towards one of the workers inspecting the irrigation system near the orange trees. The man, a young man in his twenties, looked up and gave him a smile.

"Yes, boss. We haven't had any problems with the irrigation. The system is working perfectly, and the trees are absorbing the water well," he replied as he bent down to adjust a valve.

Alex approached and patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks, Miguel. Keep me informed if you see anything strange."

The young man nodded, returning to his task diligently. Alex continued his rounds, observing the various crops extending beyond the fruit trees. Corn, wheat, carrots, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables were distributed in several sections, each managed by different automatic planting and harvesting systems. Although the machines handled much of the hard work, Alex always found time to personally check that everything was in order. He appreciated the control technology gave him, but he never fully trusted that everything would be perfect without manual inspection.

The state-of-the-art tractors moved smoothly across the fields, operated by workers who supervised their performance. These machines not only plowed and sowed but also analyzed the soil to ensure the crops received the necessary nutrients. It was a complete and efficient system, something Alex had worked hard to implement since taking over the farm.

As he continued walking, he reached the edge of the river that crossed part of his property. The clear water flowed peacefully, feeding into a small lake not far from there. Alex enjoyed spending time by the river; the sound of the water was relaxing to him, and he knew this small ecosystem was vital for the health of his land. The crops closest to the river always grew stronger, and the lake provided a constant supply of fish, another small passion Alex had cultivated over the years.

He walked to the edge of the lake, where the clear water allowed him to see the fish swimming calmly. He had started with just a few specimens years ago, and now the lake housed a healthy population of fish, raised for his own consumption and to sell at the local market. It wasn't something that brought in a lot of profit, but it was part of what he enjoyed. Caring for those animals gave him a peace similar to what he felt with his dogs.

One of the workers, Pedro, a middle-aged man who had been with Alex for years, appeared in the distance carrying a basket of fish food. He waved when he saw Alex by the lake.

"Everything good, boss? The fish seem to be growing fast this year," Pedro said as he approached.

Alex nodded. "Yes, everything's going well. The water's perfect, and conditions have been favorable. I'm glad to see everything is moving forward."

Pedro tossed some food into the water, and immediately several fish swam to the surface, creating small ripples in the lake. "You know, Alex? I don't know what you do, but these fish seem to be the healthiest in the whole region."

Alex smiled. "Taking care of them is part of the job, Pedro. If you give them what they need, they give it back. The same goes for the rest of the farm."

Both men watched in silence as the fish fed, enjoying the calm of the moment. For Alex, these small details, like feeding the fish or walking among the crops, were what gave meaning to his life on the farm. There was something deeply satisfying about seeing everything he had planted or raised grow and thrive, a reflection of his constant effort.

After a while, Alex decided to continue his rounds, bidding Pedro farewell with a nod. As he headed toward the area where the sheep were raised, the dogs once again formed their protective circle around him. There was no need for commands; they simply knew what to do. The Akita Inu, who had been quieter than the others, took the lead this time, as if wanting to guide the way.

The sheep bleated softly as Alex approached the pen. Some were scattered, grazing under the shade of the trees, while others gathered near the machines that provided them with water and food. Everything seemed in order here as well, which was no surprise, given that sheep were among the easiest animals to care for compared to the rest of the farm's animals.

He stopped for a moment to watch them, leaning on the wooden fence that surrounded the pen. As he did, he noticed one of the younger workers, Pablo, approaching with a small device in hand.

"Boss, I just checked the control for the sheep. All the machines are operating correctly, but I noticed that one of them has a slight delay in the feeding system. It's not serious, but we could fix it before it becomes a problem."

Alex nodded. "Good catch, Pablo. Go ahead and fix it, and make sure it doesn't happen again. It's always better to prevent than to regret."

The young man nodded, a determined look in his eyes, and headed toward the machine in question. Alex watched with satisfaction as his workers, though few, took care of the farm with the same dedication he did.

After some time, Alex decided to return to the center of the farm, where the larger machines were stationed. The tractors and harvesters were key pieces in the daily operation, and although they didn't require constant attention, Alex always personally checked that they were in perfect condition. As he walked, the soft sound of wheels and engines filled the air. It was a constant reminder of how technology had changed life on the farm.

Once in front of the tractors, Alex noticed one of his mechanics, José, cleaning one of the enormous wheels. José looked up and smiled when he saw Alex.

"Boss, this tractor is ready to keep working. I checked the engine, and everything is in order. It just needed a little cleaning," he said as he stood up from the ground and wiped his hands on a rag.

"Thanks, José. We really appreciate your work," Alex replied, giving him a pat on the back. "You know that if something goes wrong with one of these machines, the work stops, so I always count on you to keep them in top shape."

José nodded with pride. "Don't worry, boss. As long as I'm here, the machines will run as they should."

Alex smiled before continuing his rounds. Around him, the day advanced calmly, the machines hummed, and the animals continued their daily routine. Everything seemed to be in perfect balance, like a silent symphony that repeated itself every day. But Alex knew that even though everything was quiet now, he always had to be prepared for the unexpected. That was the secret to running a farm: the work never ended, and there was always something to take care of.

As Alex continued his walk through the farm, his thoughts began to drift to a more distant place, to memories that, although painful, were part of what had brought him here. The soft wind blowing through the trees carried with it a sense of melancholy. He looked around, observing how everything he had built functioned with a precision that would have been unthinkable in his childhood days. He couldn't help but think of his grandfather, the man who had taught him everything about life on the farm.

His grandfather had been a man of strong character, one of those who seemed to be made from the very earth they cultivated. Alex remembered how he used to follow him around the fields as a child, fascinated by his grandfather's ability to make everything grow, from vegetables to fruit trees. Back then, the farm was much smaller, and all the work was done by hand. There was no advanced technology or automated systems. Everything depended on his grandfather's firm and experienced hand.

As a child, Alex never imagined that one day he would be responsible for the farm. His mind was more interested in books, in technology, and in how things worked at a deeper level. He had always been curious, and although he enjoyed the long walks with his grandfather, he knew his future lay elsewhere, in something he could create or program.

However, things changed abruptly when his grandfather fell ill. Alex had been away, finishing his studies in engineering and programming, with big plans for the future. But a call from his family brought him back to the farm. The man who had once been strong and full of life now lay weak in his bed, his face marked by years of hard work under the sun.

The memories of those last days were clear in his mind, as if they had happened yesterday. His grandfather, despite his condition, never stopped talking about the farm, about how everything he had built was for the family. It was on his deathbed that he asked Alex, with a barely audible voice, to take care of the place.

"This is your home, Alex. Promise me you'll take care of it," his grandfather had said with what little strength he had left. At that moment, Alex didn't fully understand what that promise meant. But he couldn't refuse. He nodded, taking his grandfather's trembling hand, and promised that he would do everything he could.

After his grandfather's death, Alex returned to the farm. At first, it wasn't easy. He had spent so much time immersed in technology and developing complex projects that rural life felt strange to him. But soon, he realized that the farm didn't have to be the same as before. He could modernize it, make it more efficient and easier to manage, while still preserving the spirit of what his grandfather had created.

He began applying what he had learned in his engineering and programming studies. The first few months were tough, implementing automated systems, improving irrigation, and creating a network of sensors that monitored every detail of the crops. However, over time, the farm began to take on a different shape, one where Alex could combine his passion for technology with his grandfather's legacy.

The workers adapted well to the change. Many were surprised at how easy it was to operate the new systems, although some took longer to trust that the machines could do the job as well as they did. Alex made sure to supervise every step, ensuring the animals were cared for, the crops received the proper treatment, and that the farm, despite the technology, never lost the personal touch his grandfather had always maintained.

It was curious how, despite all the improvements, Alex still felt like he wasn't quite living up to what his grandfather would have wanted. The man had been an unshakable figure in his life, and even though the farm was now larger and more efficient than ever, Alex sometimes wondered if he was doing things the right way.

"I suppose you would have adapted to this over time, old man," he murmured as he looked at the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set. The dogs, always faithful, remained by his side, watching in silence. The cool evening air was starting to settle in, but Alex wasn't in a hurry to go back inside the house.

The day had been productive, like most on the farm. The workers were finishing their tasks, and the machines continued to run smoothly. As the sky turned shades of orange and pink, Alex recalled his grandfather's words once more. Maybe, deep down, taking care of the farm wasn't just about keeping it operational or modern. Maybe it was something more, something to do with the land itself and the connection one had with it.

"I'm doing the best I can," he said softly, almost as if he expected a response from the wind blowing through the trees.

He looked around at the fields that now seemed bathed in gold under the light of the setting sun. The sheep were calm in their pen, the cows grazed quietly, and the sound of the nearby river was the only noise breaking the serenity of the moment. In that instant, he realized that, in his own way, he had managed to combine the best of both worlds. He had brought modernity to the farm without losing sight of the essentials, without forgetting what his grandfather had taught him.

The day was coming to an end, and although there was always more work to be done, Alex decided to take a moment to simply be there, on the land he had promised to care for. He knew that tomorrow would bring another day full of tasks, but for now, the calm was enough.

With one last look at the farm, he began to walk back to the house. The dogs followed closely, their shadows lengthened by the evening light. The machines continued humming softly in the distance, doing their work while the world around them prepared to rest.

Alex entered the house, closing the door behind him. The first day had been quiet, but something in the air, in the stillness of the farm, told him that it wouldn't always be like this. He knew that, at some point, everything would change. But for now, he could only focus on doing what he had promised: taking care of the farm, just as his grandfather had asked him to.