The white truck came to a stop, kicking up a small cloud of grey gravel dust that settled quickly on the driveway grass. Lyla stepped out of the barn aisle, her work boots crunching against the stone as she walked over.The driver climbed down, holding a square cardboard box. "Are you Lyla?" he asked, checking his digital clipboard."Yes, I am," Lyla said."This is for you. Have a good day!" He handed over the package, climbed back into the truck, and backed down the long lane.The box felt surprisingly heavy in her hands. Lyla looked at the return address label stuck to the top. Her heart gave a sudden, happy thud when she saw the familiar neat handwriting of her best friend.Lyla carried the box over to the porch steps, sat down, and carefully pulled back the heavy packing tape. Inside, wrapped in protective bubble wrap, was a collection of things that made her feel instantly connected to the town an hour away:A brand-new sketching notebook with a thick blue cover.A box of professional colored pencils.A small, handwritten card that read: “For the days when the farm gets too quiet. Sketch what you see, and show me this weekend!”Lyla traced her fingers over the smooth cover of the new notebook. The lonely feeling of being an only child didn't completely disappear, but knowing her friend was thinking about her from an hour away made the big farm feel just a little bit smaller.Suddenly, she heard a soft meow right beside her. One of the calico cats had hopped up onto the porch step, staring curiously at the open box.
