Morning Pages

Klaus adjusted his round glasses and turned another page of his worn copy of "The Secret Garden." The morning sun streamed through his bedroom window at Corn Ear Farm, where the sounds of clucking chickens and snorting pigs drifted up from the yard below.

"Klaus! Breakfast!" his grandmother called from downstairs.

He closed the book reluctantly, already knowing every word by heart. Klaus had read it seventeen times, just like he'd memorized every other book on his shelf. It was his secret—nobody knew he could recite entire stories word for word.

Downstairs, Grandma Rose was flipping pancakes at the stove. Her gray hair was twisted into a neat bun, and flour dusted her blue apron.

"You're always reading, dear," she said, smiling. "Why don't you help me feed the chickens today?"

Klaus nodded, slipping the book into his cardigan pocket. Outside, the farm bustled with life—sheep bleating in distant pastures, dogs barking playfully near the barn. Everything felt perfectly normal.

He didn't notice the dark sedan parked behind the oak tree at the farm's entrance, or the two figures watching him through binoculars.

An Unexpected Visitor

Klaus scattered chicken feed across the dirt yard, watching the hens peck eagerly at the scattered grains. Grandma Rose had gone inside to start lunch, leaving him alone with the farm animals.

A woman with short auburn hair appeared at the fence gate. She wore a navy blue jacket and carried a clipboard.

"Excuse me," she called out. "I'm conducting a survey about rural education. Could I speak with someone?"

Klaus walked closer, adjusting his round glasses. "Grandma's inside cooking."

"Actually, you might be perfect for this." The woman smiled, but something felt off about her expression. "We're particularly interested in gifted children. Do you attend the local school?"

"I'm homeschooled," Klaus said, clutching his book tighter.

A man stepped out from behind the oak tree, moving quickly toward them. Klaus's stomach dropped as he recognized the dark sedan.

"We just need a few minutes of your time," the woman said, her voice suddenly firm.

Klaus turned to run toward the house, but the man was already behind him. Strong hands grabbed his shoulders.

"Help!" Klaus shouted, but a cloth covered his mouth before he could scream again.