Farm Fresh Secrets

Maya's fingers scrolled through Emma's Instagram stories, each one a tiny betrayal. Her best friend since fourth grade was at Tyler's party without her. Again. The caption read "squad vibes" with emojis that felt like daggers. Maya wasn't technically stalking—she was just staying informed. That's what she told herself, anyway.

"You're doing that thing," her aunt called from across the farmyard. "The one where you overthink everything into a disaster."

Maya slipped her phone into her back pocket and grabbed the feed bucket. The bull—a massive creature named Bessie, because irony was her aunt's love language—regarded her with soulful eyes from across the fence. Most people were terrified of Bessie. Maya found her honesty refreshing. Bessie didn't post stories about who she was hanging out with. Bessie just existed.

A calico cat appeared from nowhere, weaving between Maya's boots like she owned the place. This was Cat, technically just "the farm cat" but Maya had secretly named her in sixth grade when she'd first started coming here after her parents' divorce. Cat hopped onto the fence rail, watching with what looked suspiciously like judgment.

"I know," Maya muttered, scratching Cat behind the ears. "I'm being dramatic. But she didn't even invite me."

"Who?" A boy's voice made her jump. It was Leo, the new kid who worked part-time at the farm. He was leaning against the barn, reading what looked like a philosophy book.

Maya's face heated up. "Nobody. Just... thinking out loud."

"That's what Cat's for," Leo said, nodding at the calico. "She's the best listener I've ever met. Doesn't interrupt, doesn't offer terrible advice." He paused. "Unlike me, apparently.

Maya couldn't help it—she smiled. "Sorry. I'm Maya, and I apparently monologue at farm animals."

"Leo. And I once had an entire conversation with a goat about my math grade, so no judgment." He pushed off the barn. "My mom made these spinach wraps for lunch. They're actually not terrible if you don't think about what you're eating."

"Spinach is literally the worst vegetable."

"That's what I said! But she added this cheese stuff and now I'm betrayed by my own taste buds." He held out a paper towel. "Want to be disappointed together?"

Maya's phone buzzed. Emma's name lit up the screen: "hey where r u? tyler's asking about u"

She looked at Leo, at Bessie, at Cat who was now thoroughly grooming herself like this was all so mundane. Something inside her shifted—light and sudden.

"Actually," she said, slipping her phone into her pocket without responding. "I'd love to try that spinach."

Cat purred. Bessie let out a approving snort. And Maya realized she hadn't checked her stories in three whole minutes.

Progress.