This is my first fic. It's also my first time writing in first-person, so I may switch tenses occasionally and I'm sorry for that! I admit I gathered inspiration from authors here (and some on LJ too) but hopefully I put enough of my own style into the story for them not to care. I own nothing, enjoy.

----------------------------

I hear chickens squawking before I see anything. "How early is it?" I wonder. I hope I still have time to feed my animals. I roll over in bed, throwing off the covers. I glance around. I left the window open, but the summer wind is warm enough for me not to care about the extra bugs. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, savoring the smell of last night's rain, the morning dew, and… Is that bacon? My eyes fly open. I hurry to get my robe on, not wanting to go downstairs in my pajamas but too impatient to dress. I rush down the stairs, nearly tripping but righting myself at the last second. I nearly run right into Mama.

"Ernst!" she exclaims, looking me over. "Good, you're up. I was about to come wake you."

"Good morning, Mama." I give her my best smile, knowing she cannot resist forgiving me.

She smiles back. "Good morning. You have time for the animals before breakfast if you hurry and get dressed, darling."

I grin wider and turn to go back upstairs.

"Ernst! Ten minutes." She gives the look that Mama always gives. I know that look. Listen to your Mama, the look said. Do not disobey.

I nod my understanding and dash back upstairs. I throw on my work clothes, not wanting to get my school uniform dirty. I tie my shoes, which are muddy from my trip to town yesterday. I go back downstairs, open the door and step out.

Mama's dogs run up to me immediately. I greet them, a happy smile on my face. I enjoy the dogs' company. They share my enthusiasm and joy for life. I grab some feed for the chickens and walk to the barn, clucking softly. I spread the feed over the yard, fenced in so the chickens don't escape. I release them from the barn and they scatter, instantly pecking the dirt for seed.

I turn around, content, and the dogs are around my feet. "Get away!" I fuss, not really wanting them to leave. They don't leave anyway, so it doesn't matter what I say to them.

I walk cautiously to the stables. I don't enjoy the horses as much. They're much bigger than I, and a lot more powerful as well. My frail, lanky build is nothing compared to their muscular bodies. They whinny as I approach.

"Hey, girls," I say. They huff and stomp their feet. They know I'm uncomfortable around them. My sister was much better than I. If only she had stayed. I stop for a moment, missing her. She's married now. She won't make a good housewife. She's too high-spirited.

I hear Mama calling my name from the house.

"One moment!" I shout. I startle the horses when I yell. They shift and I flinch. I quickly poor out some feed and run back to the house, dogs following. I open the door, inhaling the scent of bacon once again.

"Mama?" I call.

"Kitchen, Ernst. Bring the dogs. But please take off your shoes! I do not want you trailing mud through my house."

I smile a little, imagining The Look on Mama's face again.

"Come on, boys," I say to the dogs. They follow me without hesitation. Again I think how alike we are. I, too, follow my elders and mentors with trust that they will not lead me astray. We share the same blind faith, those dogs and I.

I enter the kitchen. "It smells wonderful. It woke me this morning."

"Yes, well, you had better eat quickly, or you will be late for school! Look at you." She gestures to my pants, dirty from my trek to the pasture and back. "A mess. A right mess. Eat up, child!" She waves at my plate.

I begin to eat, all but ignoring the eggs on my plate.

"Ernst."

I look up from my bacon. Mama raises her eyebrows.

"I'm sorry, Mama." I begin to reluctantly eat my eggs.