We were relaxing in the backyard again that afternoon.
Zayn and Zarra had refused to take a nap after lunch, so once the afternoon sun softened a little, I let them play outside. Mom joined me first, and Dad came out a little later.
On the table was a bowl of fresh cherries Dad had bought from the farmers' market earlier, several slices of fruit cake, and a pitcher of iced mixed-berry juice.
The weather was slightly warmer than usual, but a gentle breeze kept sweeping through the garden, making the heat much more bearable.
Zayn and Zarra were busy feeding the chickens.
Well, Zayn was feeding them. Zarra was currently attempting to catch one of the chicks.
"Zarra, don't chase the baby!" I called out.
"I'm not chasing it, Mama!"
She absolutely was. I laughed and shook my head. My hea
