After that, the rest of dinner was quiet. No one knew how to break the silence after YN shared what he wanted for his future. Once he finished eating, YN quietly dismissed himself from the table, grabbed his plate, and placed it in the sink without bothering to say goodnight to his family. Even though his mother promised to talk to the school’s principal and counselor about enrolling him, he was still a little ticked off at her for being overprotective and not trusting him to handle school on his own.

Back at the table, his family watched him disappear upstairs.

Chilli sighed and rested her head on the table. Chilli: "He's still mad at me, huh?"

Calypso spoke up, her voice soft but steady. Calypso: "I wouldn’t say he’s mad, just disappointed that he had to argue with you. You know how he feels about fighting with us—he hates it. It’s rare for YN to get upset, and when he does, he’s usually more disappointed in himself than anything else. He thinks it means he’s not being mature."

They both knew Calypso was right. YN rarely got mad or argued with his family. When it did happen, he felt regret, worried his behavior might make them think less of him.

Rosie, who had been quiet the whole time, finally sighed and stood up. Rosie: "I’ll go talk to him. He’ll listen to me. You two clean up, alright?"

Without waiting for a response, she pushed her chair back, grabbed her plate, rinsed it in the sink, and left the kitchen. Chilli and Calypso exchanged a look—slightly annoyed, but not because they had to clean up. It was the same unspoken thing they’d felt for years: YN had always seemed to be just a little closer to his grandmother, and that stung more than they cared to admit.

Calypso: "Alright. The quicker we finish, the sooner we can relax."

Chilli nodded, standing up to start clearing the table.

Upstairs, Rosie walked quietly to YN’s room and knocked gently. Rosie: "YN, honey? Can I come in?"

A muffled voice replied from the other side. YN (muffled): "Come in."

She opened the door to find him lying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. Closing the door softly behind her, she walked over and sat on the edge of his bed, resting a comforting hand on his.

Rosie: "YN… look at me, dear."

Her voice was calm, the same soothing tone that always managed to ease his tension. Slowly, YN turned his head to meet her gentle smile. She gave his hand a small squeeze.

Rosie: "Tell me what’s bothering you, honey."

YN sighed, his brows furrowed slightly. YN: "I’m just… frustrated. She doesn’t trust me. She’s so overprotective. I get that she’s going to talk to the school, and I’m grateful for that… I just hate that I had to beg and plead for her to even consider it."

Rosie closed her eyes briefly, humming in thought, before opening them again and meeting his gaze. Rosie: "I understand, sweetheart. But you have to remember—you’re still her child. She’s going to worry. It’s part of being a mother."

YN: "Yeah? And what’s she so worried about?"

Rosie’s expression softened, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. Rosie: "Well, for starters, you’re her only child. A mother’s protective instincts run deep. If anything happened to you, she’d be devastated. We all would. But there’s another reason too…"

She hesitated, her eyes clouding with something heavier. Rosie: "Because… you’re human."

That caught YN off guard. He sat up slightly, staring at her in confusion. YN: "What do you mean… because I’m human?"

Rosie sighed deeply. Rosie: "I’m only telling you this because you’re mature enough to understand. Our town—it’s not as perfect as it seems, YN."

YN: "What? Everyone I’ve met has been nice."

Rosie: "Yes, there are plenty of good people here. But there are also those who don’t like humans. Some even hate them. And that’s what your mother fears."

YN sat in stunned silence, trying to process her words. YN: "Is that why I don’t see many humans around town?"

Rosie nodded. Rosie: "Exactly. Most of them don’t live here—they’re just passing through for work. The few who do stay keep to themselves."

YN: "But why? What did we ever do to deserve that?"

Rosie: "It’s not about what you’ve done, sweetheart. It’s about the past—long before any of us were born. There were conflicts, mistakes, things that gave humans a bad reputation among anthros. Over time, many have forgiven, but there are still those who hold onto old grudges. It’s been that way for generations."

YN was quiet, his mind racing with thoughts. After a while, he looked back at her with a small, understanding smile. YN: "I think I get it now, Grandma."

Rosie raised an eyebrow. Rosie: "You do?"

YN: "Yeah… I thought Mom was just being overbearing. But now I see why she worries so much. It’s not just about me being her kid—it’s about the world we live in."

Rosie smiled softly, cupping his cheek. Rosie: "I’m glad you understand. And it’s okay that you were upset with her. Feelings aren’t always simple, YN. What matters is how you handle them afterward."

YN: "Yeah… I guess I should apologize to her."

Rosie: "That’s a good idea. But she’s probably still talking with Calypso. Maybe you can speak to her tomorrow."

YN seemed a little disappointed but nodded. Rosie noticed the look on his face and, without another word, slid onto the bed beside him, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle cuddle.

YN (flustered): "W-What are you doing?"

Rosie (chuckling): "Cuddling you, of course. You used to love this."

YN: "Yeah… when I was younger!"

Rosie: "And you’re still young. What’s the difference?"

YN couldn’t argue with that. He let out a small sigh, relaxing into her warmth. YN: "Yeah… I guess I missed this."

Rosie: "See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?"

The warmth of her soft fur and her steady heartbeat calmed him, just like it had when he was a child.

Rosie: "I wouldn’t mind doing this more often. How about you?"

YN (sleepy): "I wouldn’t mind..."

Rosie slowly got out of YN’s bed after feeling his breathing steady, indicating he had fallen asleep. But as she tried to leave, YN’s hand instinctively grabbed her arm.

YN (mumbling in his sleep): "No… please stay…"

Rosie hummed softly at his words, her heart warming. She leaned down, gently rubbing his head, and whispered into his ear.

Rosie (whispering): "I’m coming back, dear. Just gotta go change and use the bathroom, alright? I’m not leaving you."

She felt his grip loosen, and with a soft smile, she stood up, carefully walking out of his room. She quietly closed the door behind her and made her way downstairs, where she found Chilli and Calypso sitting on the couch, talking.

Rosie: "Hey, you two. I see you’re both done cleaning the kitchen."

She gestured toward the now spotless space.

Calypso: "Yeah, it was easy. We finished about five minutes ago and have been talking since."

Chilli: "How’s the little squirt?"

Rosie: "He’s fine now, just a little disappointed and frustrated with you earlier."

Chilli sighed heavily.

Chilli: "Yeah… I figured as much."

Calypso patted Chilli’s leg reassuringly.

Calypso: "If he’s calm now, I’m sure Rosie worked her magic."

Rosie: "Actually, you’re right."

Chilli’s attention snapped to her mother.

Chilli: "What do you mean?"

Rosie: "I told him why you’re so overprotective of him, and now he understands."

Chilli: "So… you told him everything?!"

Calypso: "Chilli, calm down. I’m sure she didn’t tell him everything."

Rosie: "Relax. I didn’t tell him everything. Just enough for him to understand. I explained that your reasons stem from being his mother, your protective instincts, and the fact that some anthros still hold resentment toward humans because of the past. He doesn’t know the whole story yet, but he understands why you worry and even feels sorry for fussing with you."

Chilli exhaled, relieved.

Calypso: "See? I told you it would be fine."

Chilli: "Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks, Ma, for talking to him."

Rosie: "It’s no problem, dear. He’s my grandson—it’s my duty to help him when he’s upset."

Chilli: "I just wish he’d open up to me like he does with you."

Rosie: "Give it time, honey. I’ve seen your bond with him grow deeper over the years. You might not notice it, but I have."

Chilli and Calypso sat in thoughtful silence, reflecting on moments when YN had slowly started to open up to them in ways he used to only with Rosie.

Chilli: "Yeah… I guess you’re right."

Calypso: "Now that you mention it, I do remember little things he started doing with us that he only used to do with you."

Rosie: "Exactly. Anyway, I’m heading to bed soon. Just need to change my clothes before I go back to YN."

Chilli and Calypso blinked, confused.

Chilli: "Wait, what do you mean go back to him?"

Calypso: "Yeah, what do you mean?"

Rosie: "Oh! I forgot to mention—I cuddled with him to help him relax, and he fell asleep. When I tried to leave, he asked me to stay. I told him I’d be right back after changing and using the bathroom."

Both Chilli and Calypso’s jaws nearly hit the floor. YN NEVER let them cuddle with him, let alone sleep in the same bed. Now Rosie was casually mentioning she was going back to his room for the night.

Rosie: "Yeah, I know. It’s been a thing since he was six—he missed cuddling with me. Oh, and by the way, Chilli, YN wanted to apologize to you, but I told him he could do it tomorrow. I’ll leave you girls to it."

Rosie hummed softly to herself as she made her way upstairs, leaving Chilli and Calypso stunned and, admittedly, a little jealous.

Back in her room, Rosie opened her wardrobe, searching for something to sleep in. This proved difficult since she usually slept naked and didn’t own many child-friendly clothes. After sifting through her options, she grabbed the least revealing set—just a simple bra and panties.

She undressed, slipped into the minimal sleepwear, and decided she’d wake up earlier than YN to change back into her regular clothes. With that, she quietly left her room, passing the darkened living room where the TV was now off—Chilli and Calypso had gone to bed.

Rosie continued to YN’s room, gently opening the door and slipping inside. She closed the door softly behind her, walked over to the bed, and climbed in beside him. Pulling the blanket over them both, she wrapped an arm around YN, nuzzled into his neck, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

A few hours passed by, and YN slowly began to wake up. He blinked his eyes open, groggy at first, but then something strange caught his attention. He looked down and saw purple fabric in front of him. Confused, he reached out and grabbed it, but immediately pulled his hands back when he felt fur under the fabric. He realized with a jolt that it was someone’s chest.

His heart raced as he looked around, trying to figure out who it was. When he turned his head and saw his grandmother sleeping beside him, he froze. Slowly, the events of the night before came back to him—he had asked her to stay with him. He let out a breath of relief, calming down.

He gently covered his grandmother back up with the blanket, careful not to wake her, and then quietly slipped out of the bed. As he walked to the door, he took a moment to breathe, a little flustered by what had just happened. He shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts. There was no reason to be embarrassed. He understood that his grandmother hated wearing clothes, so the fact that she had even put something on to sleep with him was more comfortable for him than awkward.

Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of having touched her chest, but he quickly pushed that thought aside as he walked downstairs to begin his usual morning routine of making breakfast for the family.

Twenty minutes later, Rosie began to stir, the smell of fresh biscuits and coffee wafting up to her nose. Slowly, she sat up, stretching with a yawn, then looked down at the empty bed.

Rosie (to herself): "Damn it... I slept in. I hope he didn’t mind..."

She looked down at what she was wearing and felt a tinge of embarrassment, but quickly shook her head.

Rosie (to herself): "No, I'm sure he's fine with it. I mean, after all, he’s mature for his age..."

She got out of YN’s bed and left the room, heading to her own. She grabbed her robe and slipped it on before heading downstairs to the kitchen. There, she found YN already setting the last plate of food on the table. He looked up and smiled at her.

YN: "Oh, morning, Grandma."

Rosie: "Morning, dear..."

Rosie went to the counter, poured herself a cup of coffee, and sat down at the table with YN. As she sipped her coffee, YN paused, noticing something seemed off about her. He stopped what he was doing, then got up and walked over to give her a hug. She returned it with a soft kiss on his head, just like always.

YN stood there for a moment, then spoke up, nervously.

YN: "Hey, thanks for staying with me last night. Umm... I know it probably bothered you having to wear something, but if you thought I was embarrassed or anything when I woke up, you’re fine, Grandma. Really."

Rosie sighed in relief.

Rosie: "Thank God. I thought you were embarrassed because you saw me half-naked. I just can’t sleep with clothes on. They get on my nerves way too much."

YN: "Yeah, I know. I don’t mind at all. The only thing that threw me off was waking up... face-first in front of your, well..."

Rosie: "Breasts?"

YN: "Yeah... that. I guess I flipped over to your side in the middle of the night, so when I woke up, that was the first thing I saw."

Rosie burst out laughing at the thought of YN being flustered. YN rolled his eyes, embarrassed but smiling.

YN: "Yeah, yeah, laugh it off."

Rosie, still laughing, wiped her eyes and smiled at him.

Rosie: "Aw, you know I’m just messing with you, honey. But if you ever need something like that again, just ask. I don’t mind at all. I know you’re not embarrassed about it."

YN: "Hmm, I’ll think about it. That was the best sleep I’ve had in a while."

Rosie: "That’s good to know, dear."

A few minutes later, Chilli and Calypso came downstairs, both grabbing a cup of coffee before sitting down with the family. The chatter at the table began, but YN suddenly stopped eating, remembering that he needed to talk to his mother.

He got up from his chair and walked over to Chilli. When he gave her a hug, it caught her by surprise, but she returned it warmly, her expression softening.

YN: "Sorry for fussing with you yesterday, and I’m really happy for everything you do for me, Ma."

YN said while still hugging her, and Chilli returned the hug.

Chilli: "Oh, honey, you don’t have to apologize. I’ve probably been too overprotective of you ever since the day I brought you home. After talking to your auntie, I realized that my little man is growing up fast. I guess I just wanted to spend more time with you before you leave us to start your own life. I didn’t realize I should’ve been helping you prepare for the future and reach your own goals. So now, I’m going to help you."

She gave him a soft kiss on the head, which made both Calypso and Rosie smile as they watched the exchange.

YN: "Ma, who said anything about me leaving? As far as I’m concerned, I never said anything about leaving or going to college. We’ve still got like 9 or 10 more years for that. Unless you’re trying to get rid of me already?"

Chilli rolled her eyes at his joke.

Chilli: "Like I would ever do that. I’m too attached to you, and you’re too attached to your auntie and grandma."

YN: "Yeah, I guess you’re right. I don’t think I could ever leave. But that’s a problem for another day. Don’t you and Auntie Calypso have to go to work soon?"

Chilli glanced at the time and saw that he was right—both she and Calypso had work soon.

Chilli: "Crap, you’re right! I need to get my security uniform on for the airport."

Calypso: "And I’ve gotta go change too."

Both women quickly got up from the table and gave Rosie and YN a quick goodbye kiss.

Chilli: "I love you, Mom, and YN. I’ll see you this evening when I get back home. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about calling the school. I’ll call them when I’m on break, okay?"

YN: "Alright, Ma. Love ya, and love ya too, Auntie."

Rosie: "You two be safe and have a good day at work. Love you!"

Both women rushed upstairs to get changed out of their robes, leaving YN and Rosie alone in the kitchen. A few minutes later, Chilli and Calypso came downstairs in their work clothes, heading straight for the front door.

Chilli: "Goodbye, YN! Goodbye, Mom!"

They yelled before leaving, and the house fell quiet for a moment.

Rosie: "So, it’s just us again, honey. Got any plans for today?"

YN stopped eating and thought for a moment before responding.

YN: "Honestly, I was really hoping to spend more time with you today. I mean, I’ll be going to school soon, and you won’t have any company all day."

Rosie: "I would love it if you spent time with me today, but don’t worry about me being alone when you’re at school. I’m sure I can find something to do to keep myself busy."

YN: "Well, I guess you’re right... but hey, you can hang out with Miss Trixie more now. She can keep you company while I’m gone."

Rosie put her mug down, thinking it over.

Rosie: "Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s been a few days since I’ve talked to her at all..."

YN: "Oh! I know what we can do today! We should go visit her. I’m sure she’d love to see you, Grandma."

Rosie hummed thoughtfully for a second before smiling.

Rosie: "Yeah, I guess you’re right. We can go visit her after we finish eating breakfast and clean up after ourselves."

YN: "Yes! And do you think she’ll let me drive her four-wheeler like last time?"

YN asked eagerly, remembering how sometimes, when he visits Trixie’s place, she lets him ride her four-wheeler.

Rosie: "I honestly don’t know, but she might. But before we head out, I’ve got to call her, so we don’t drop in unexpectedly."

YN: "Yeah, I guess you’re right."

YN finished his food and started cleaning up the table, grabbing Chilli and Calypso’s empty plates. Meanwhile, Rosie stood up from her seat.

Rosie: "Since I know you’ve got the kitchen cleaning covered, I’m going to give Trixie a call and let her know we’re coming over."

YN: "Alright, Grandma. I’ll be done soon."

YN said as he started washing the dishes in the sink. Rosie smiled and nodded before leaving the kitchen. She went into the living room to find her phone on the couch, where she’d forgotten to take it last night. It still had plenty of charge, so she opened her contacts, found Trixie’s name, and called her. A few seconds later, Trixie picked up the phone.

Trixie (on the phone): "Rosie?"

Rosie (on the phone): "Hey, girl! Sorry I haven’t talked to you in a few days."

Trixie (on the phone): "Oh, no, you’re fine. I totally understand—you’ve got a grandchild to look after, so I get it if you forget to talk to your best friend. What’s up?"

Rosie (on the phone): "Honestly, are you doing anything right now?"

Trixie (on the phone): "No, not at the moment. I just got out of the shower and I’m brushing my fur. Why, what’s up?"

Rosie (on the phone): "Well, me and YN were planning to visit you today. We don’t want to stay cooped up in the house all day, and it’s been a minute since I’ve talked to you."

Trixie (on the phone): "I don’t mind at all. You two can come over and spend time with me. I’d love to see both of you again! But could you give me like ten minutes? I’m still, uh... naked, and I don’t want the poor kid to be traumatized seeing an old lady like that."

Rosie (on the phone): "Oh, stop it. You look perfectly fine for your age—and beautiful. You wouldn’t traumatize him, just embarrass him a bit. But I understand. We’ll change our clothes and be there in about fifteen minutes or so."

Trixie (on the phone): "Uh-huh, right. Well, I’ll get ready and see you two in a bit."

Rosie (on the phone): "Alright, love you, girl."

Trixie (on the phone): "Love you too, Rosie. See you soon."

Rosie hung up the phone and walked back into the kitchen to find YN finishing the last of the dishes. The kitchen was now spotless.

YN: "Oh, Grandma, I’m done! I just put up the last set of dishes. The kitchen’s clean now. Can we go soon?"

Rosie: "You did a great job cleaning up, and yes, we can go soon. But first, you need to change your clothes and brush your teeth, young man."

YN: "Alright, I’m going to head up to my room and change and brush my teeth."

YN said as he walked past his grandmother, heading upstairs, with Rosie following him.

Rosie: "Oh, and make sure to wear some shorts. It’s going to be hot today, and I don’t want you to get a heat stroke wearing too many clothes."

YN: "So, a short-sleeved shirt and a pair of shorts. Gotcha, Grandma."

YN said as he walked down the hallway to his room. Rosie went into her room and picked out a summer dress and a big hat to shade her from the sun. After changing into her outfit, she grabbed her purse and headed to YN’s room to check if he was done getting dressed.

Rosie: "YN, you done in there, honey?"

All she got was a muffled response followed by a loud clash, which made her panic a bit.

Rosie: "YN!"

She quickly opened his door, expecting to help him if he was hurt, but what she saw threw her off. YN was on the floor, his shirt stuck on his head.

YN: "Help..."

Rosie couldn’t hold back her laughter when she saw her grandson like that on the floor. She quickly snapped a photo with her phone.

YN: "Did you just take a picture??"

YN’s voice was muffled from the shirt.

Rosie: "Uh, no... but anyway, how did this happen?"

Rosie crouched down to help him up from the floor.

YN: "The dang shirt wouldn’t fit, and now I can’t take it off."

Rosie: "But I saw you wear this shirt a few days ago! There’s no way you’ve outgrown it already."

YN: "Well, obviously I did, and now I can’t get it off."

Rosie sighed as she gently raised his arms and pulled the shirt off with some force. Eventually, the shirt came off.

YN: "Oh, thank God. I could barely breathe in that. Thanks for the help, Grandma."

Rosie: "No problem, dear..."

Rosie wasn’t paying much attention to his words as she noticed something new—his body was starting to show a little more muscle. It wasn’t a lot, but it was noticeable, especially to someone who was close to him. She was surprised; she didn’t remember him working out at all, and seeing some muscle at his age was a bit shocking. As she looked closer at his chest and arms, YN finally noticed and looked up to see her staring, which threw him off.

YN: "Uhhh... Grandma, you alright?"

Rosie quickly snapped out of it and stood up.

Rosie: "Oh, sorry, dear. I was just thinking about something. Sorry for staring at you like that."

YN: [Waving his arms dismissively] "You’re fine. I didn’t mind. Just wondering why you were staring for so long."

Rosie took her hat off and scratched her head.

Rosie: "I was just wondering... did you start working out recently?"

YN looked up at her, confused.

YN: "Nope, why do you ask?"

This puzzled Rosie. How was he building muscle without working out at all?

Rosie: "Oh, nothing really. It was just a thought I had in mind."

YN: "Oh, well, yeah, I haven’t worked out anytime soon. I haven’t really thought about it, but now I might look into it. But I probably won’t build much muscle yet since I’m still young."

Rosie: "Oh? You want to start working out now? Who’s the lucky girl you’re trying to impress?"

Rosie joked with a playful smile, but YN gave her a confused look.

YN: "No one yet. Girls scare me."

Rosie started laughing a bit.

Rosie: "Scared of girls? I never figured you were."

YN shook his head and decided to change the topic.

YN: "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it off, but now I’ve gotta find another shirt."

YN threw the old shirt on his bed and began searching through his closet. A few seconds later, he pulled out another shirt and put it on. It was tight-fitting and hugged his body.

YN: "Well, this is just going to have to do until we can go to the store and get me some new clothes."

Rosie nodded and put her hat back on.

Rosie: "So, you got everything you need, honey?"

YN: "Yeah, let me just grab my iPod off my nightstand."

YN walked over to his nightstand, grabbed the blue custom iPod his Auntie Calypso gave him for his birthday, and turned to his grandmother.

YN: "Alright, got it. We can go now."

Rosie nodded, and they both headed out of YN’s room. He closed the door behind him, and they walked downstairs. After arming the house’s security system, they locked the door and stepped outside, walking toward Trixie’s house. It was a five-minute walk, and as they walked, they held hands. YN listened to his music, while Rosie enjoyed the fresh morning air, taking in the sounds of the birds and everything around them. After about five minutes, they reached Trixie’s house and saw her sitting on the porch.

Trixie waved at them as they approached her driveway, and soon they made it to her porch.

YN: "Morning, Miss Trixie."

Trixie: "Morning, YN. I hope you had a wonderful start to the day?"

YN blushed a bit.

YN: "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

He recalled how he woke up this morning.

Rosie finally spoke up for the first time.

Rosie: "Oh, bet he did—woke up this morning to a face full of—"

YN: "Alright, alright, let’s not talk about that."

Trixie: "Oh? Now I’ve got to hear about this."

YN: "Nope, no you don’t."

YN shook his head.

Trixie smirked.

Trixie: "Oh, dang, that’s too bad. I was going to let you drive the four-wheeler while I talked to your grandma about it."

Trixie teased as she pulled out the keys to her four-wheeler and swung them around.

YN: "Crap, you know my weakness. I was right—women are evil... but fine, we have a deal. Just don’t rub it in my face when you’re done."

Trixie nodded and threw him the keys.

Trixie: "No promises, dear~."

YN rolled his eyes, leaving the porch and heading toward the shed where the four-wheeler was kept. He left Trixie and Rosie alone on the porch. Trixie sat down beside Rosie.

Trixie: "So, what’s the tea? What was he talking about earlier?"

Rosie chuckled a little before sighing.

Rosie: "Well, it all started last night when YN started fussing with Chilli about enrolling in a school and living like a normal kid. And you know how Chilli is, so they went back and forth until Chilli finally caved in and said she’d talk to the school about it."

Trixie: "Oh, so he wants to go to a normal school, make friends, and learn more, huh?"

Rosie: "Yeah. I guess after we left the house yesterday and passed by the local school, he saw the kids playing together and wondered what that would be like. I noticed something was on his mind after we passed the school, so I asked him if something was wrong. He asked if I thought he’d do well in school, and I told him he would do perfectly. After that, he didn’t say anything about it until we got back home and had dinner."

Trixie: "Then the whole thing with his mother happened."

Rosie: "Yep. After dinner, YN left the table and went to his room, upset that he had to argue with her. We all know YN hates any kind of fussing with family."

Trixie: "Yeah, you’ve told me that before. So what happened after that?"

As Rosie was about to answer, YN zoomed past the porch on the four-wheeler, cutting her off as he headed toward the woods where Trixie’s track was.

Rosie rolled her eyes while Trixie chuckled.

Rosie: "Back to what I was about to say. I left the table to go talk to him since he opens up more to me. I sat down on his bed and explained why his mother does what she does. I told him that the reason she protects him has to do with the humans' past, and not that our town is perfect."

Trixie: "Oh, so you told him about the humans’ past?"

Rosie: "Not all of it, just a little bit so he could understand. We’re not going to tell him everything until he’s older."

Trixie: "That’s good. I’d hate to see him traumatized by the humans' past. But what happened after you told him that?"

Rosie: "Well, he said he now understands what his mother does for him and felt bad for fussing with her. He wanted to apologize to her, but I told him it could wait until the next day. I knew Calypso and Chilli were having a much-needed conversation. He was a little sad he couldn’t apologize, so I started cuddling him like I used to, to help him relax."

Trixie: "Awwww, I wish I could’ve seen that. I bet you two looked so cute."

Rosie: "Oh, yes. He definitely looked cute, even while fussing with me that he was too old for cuddles, until he gave up and went to sleep. But after I tried to leave his bed, he wouldn’t let me go. Half-asleep, he talked about wanting me to stay, so I told him I would be back. I had to go change."

Trixie: "So, did you go back to him after you left?"

Rosie: "Of course, I did. I wasn’t going to deny him. After I left the room, I went downstairs to talk to Chilli and Calypso. I told them he was fine and that he felt sorry. Then, I went back upstairs, changed into just a bra and panties, and went back to him. I laid down with him and fell asleep."

Trixie: "Awwww, that’s so cute."

Rosie: "Yeah, but here’s the good part. So, somehow, he flipped his body to face me. When he woke up, guess what the first thing was he saw?"

Trixie paused, putting two and two together, before bursting out laughing.

Trixie: "Oh... I’m sorry. It’s just... he woke up with his face in your... breasts? I’ve got to know what his face looked like when he realized what it was."

Trixie said, still laughing a bit.

Rosie: "Yeah, so when I woke up later, I realized he’d seen me half-naked. I was a little embarrassed because I wanted to wake up before him and leave the room. But, knowing that I’m a heavy sleeper, I should’ve known better. Thankfully, after he made breakfast, he told me he didn’t mind, just that he was a little embarrassed. Other than that, he knows I hate sleeping in clothes, and he was happy I decided to put something on anyways."

Trixie: "I’m not surprised. Honestly, the boy is more mature than some grown people, so I’m not surprised he understood."

Trixie took a sip of the tea she’d made earlier before Rosie and YN came by.

Rosie: "Yeah, and I’m glad about that."

Trixie: "Yep, but say... have you guys had the talk with him yet?"

Rosie: "What talk?"

Trixie: "I mean the talk. The boy’s getting close to that age, and he’s going to be more curious."

Rosie took a moment, then quickly realized what Trixie meant.

Rosie: "Oh God, no! I haven’t even thought about that! He’s like eight years old! Why would he be interested in things like that yet?"

Trixie: "Well, I’m just saying. Boys can hit puberty as early as six or older, so I thought you guys would’ve already told him. I’m sure you’ve noticed he’s getting bigger and everything else. Soon enough, his voice will change, and he’ll start growing hair in places."

Rosie: "Yeah, I know that, but I don’t think YN would be interested in that type of stuff. I mean, earlier, he told me that girls scare him."

Trixie: "Eh, I’m sure he was just joking with you, but I’m just saying it would be ideal to have the talk with him early. He’s mature enough to probably understand, so I really wouldn’t argue about his age at that point. And isn’t he about to turn nine in a couple of months?"

Rosie: "Yeah, his birthday’s soon. But I guess you’re right. I’ll talk to the others about telling him about that stuff after his birthday."

Trixie nodded, and the two of them continued talking about various things, like how YN outgrew his shirt and other topics. Before they knew it, evening came. Chilli and Calypso would be home soon, so YN drove the four-wheeler back into the shed. Rosie said her goodbyes to Trixie, and YN did the same before they started walking home.

After a five-minute walk, they arrived back at the house, went inside, and began preparing dinner for the family. An hour later, the food was done, and the table was set. YN looked outside, noticing it was now dark, knowing that his mother and aunt would be home soon. A minute later, car headlights shined through the front living room window, indicating they were home. They came inside, said hello, and went upstairs to change out of their work clothes. Afterward, they came back downstairs, sat with YN and Rosie, and prayed before starting dinner. They chatted about how their day went, but then Chilli stopped talking and looked at YN, smiling.

Chilli: "Hey, YN. I’ve got some good news for you, dear."

Calypso smiled, knowing what was coming, while YN looked curious.

Chilli: "So, during my break at the airport, I called the school. Guess what? They would be very happy for you to attend!"

Chilli smiled at YN, whose jaw dropped.

YN: "Really?"

Chilli: "Yep, and they even want you to tour the school tomorrow, as I have a few things to sign and do."

Rosie: "Oh, that’s wonderful, honey. So, YN, are you finally happy you get to go to school?"

YN: "Am I!? This is one of the happiest days I’ve had!"

YN got out of his chair and ran over to his mother, giving her a tight hug. She hugged him back and kissed him on the head.

YN: "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, Ma!"

Chilli: "It’s no problem, dear. I’m glad you’re happy about this. One more thing—you’re going to school in two days, so we need to get you some school supplies."

After Chilli said that, YN got even more excited, running around the house and laughing, forgetting about his food. The rest of the family smiled at his excitement, happy to see him so happy. As the night went on, the Cattle family called it a night and went to bed. and outside the bright moonlight shining down on the cattle home __________________________________________ Alrighty that's another chapter down and like 50 or 40 more to go but anyways I kinda got lazy at the end mainly because it's 3am for me and I've been working and editing this chapter all day yesterday until I was 80% done before I gave up since I felt terrible because I've been sick the last few days so I've mad a post on my community chat or say saying that I was gonna update the story on Monday or Tuesday after I feel better and we'll I slept for a few hours and woke up at 11pm and been working on it since then and I feel a little better but anyways imma stop yapping and I hope yall enjoyed this chapter __________________________________________