OTIS'S CHILDHOOD
A NEW BEGINNING
Ben was on duty, guarding the perimeter of the barnyard when he saw something he had never imagined: a young calf, he was wet, dirty and staggering, he was there, alone without any protection
He walked directly toward him, when he was close enough to the calf when he fainted, Ben knelt before him and carefully picked him up in his arms, the young calf had in fever, in his delirium he mentioned "mom", "Sophitia" and "Aldebaran" he knew instantly what he was talking about as he turned his head to the fence, and behind of the fence, the forest
– Aldebaran… – Otis survived to him and his group – You are very lucky –Ben took him back to the barnyard, he couldn't just leave him there.
Miles saw Ben as he was carrying the calf on his arms – Ben, what happened? –he was walking inside the barn with miles at his side
– I found him on the meadows, he was all alone… he said the name Aldebaran, you know what it means – he continue telling – He's in fever, can you bring me some water? –
Miles used the wooden bucket to collect water from the well, Ben put him inside of his stall, change the dry hay for fresh hay and next he covered him with a blanket – Mom… -
He muttered as a tear rolled down his cheek. Ben rubbed his forehead and he opened his eyes – Hello, how are you? – He asked to him –My... My head hurts – Ben rubbed his head – You'll be ok, you need to rest –
Miles entered at Ben's stall with the water and a small towel, he dunked it and put it on his forehead – How is he? – He asked to Ben – He's very sick, miles I need to ask you a favor – he knew what he was trying to say – Don't worry, I'll take your place, I'll stood guard for you tonight –
Ben and Miles were the best friends since they can remember, they were friends since the farmer built the barnyard with his own hands (that was long time ago)
The next morning came and the little calf woke up and see that big cow at his side who was sleeping, he stands up slowly and got out of the barn, it was a huge barnyard in fact it was bigger than his barnyard, he was walking outside and watching all the animals around him – Hi there, you're not from here right? My name is Peck – he was a small chicken with his fluffy feathers – I… I… I'm Otis-
Otis was a little scared, he was on a strange barnyard where he didn't knew anyone
Ben woke up, when he didn't see the calf, he was scared, he thought that something may happened to him but that sensation disappear when he saw it talking with the young Peck, then came the young Pig – Hello, I'm pig – Otis smiled them with some shyness
-Ben, we need to talk – Miles said as he cross his arms, - What is it? – He could see how worry was he – The last night, some wolfs was trying to enter this side of the fence – He couldn't believe it, the last time that wolfs tried to enter to the barnyard was when they lost their territory years ago, in past he and Miles fought them and pushed them away.
-We'll find a solution for that later, now I'm worry for this child – Ben said as he went outside to make sure that he was fine – Hello, my name's Ben, and yours? – Otis had to raise his sight to look his eyes – My name is Otis, you're who bring me here last night? – Ben knelt before him and smiled – Yes, it was me; can you tell me where your home is? - Otis says no
He told him about what he lived the past two days, Ben was listening carefully as he continue telling – …then Ross left us alone with those coyotes, Aldebaran push us to the river, I try to save her, but I… -
Otis don't say nothing anymore, Ben hugged him trying to make him feel better – she told me that I was the bravest boy she ever met… -
-She was right, you are brave – he clean up the tears from his eyes, something on Ben's eyes make him feel safe, he had the same look of his mom, after a few moments Otis felt better and Ben show him the whole barnyard, his new home.
After a few days Ben had something special for Otis, he thought that it was a good day to spend with him, so they went fishing
(Like in the movie, when Otis remembers the good days with Ben)
he took it to the perfect place, it was near to the barnyard, he gave him a fishing rod as he sat and teach him how to use it, but he hasn't paying attention - …move it up and down, up and down… -Otis hit him with the rod – not like that, up and down, slowly –
He hit him again but this time the fishing line became entagled on his feet, make him fell to the water – Come here, little fisher – Otis jumped to him and start to play in the water, after a long time having fun Ben took him back to home. Otis was very tired so Ben was carrying him on his back.
At home he put him in his own stall where he was watching him sleeping it seemed that he had forgotten his past, now he would be happy there, with him, he covered him with his blanket and went to stand guard, to make sure that his family would be safe.