"Mom! How many times have I told you to take it easy!?" An exasperated voice calls out within a small land guarded by gates. The colour of the large patches of grass transitions to the soft hues of warm orange reflected by the morning sun, heralding the beginning of spring. The recipient of that voice is standing on top of this field, carrying a large sack containing grains for feeding the cows. She is a robust elderly woman who is diligent for her age. She doesn't respond to the voice until she finally puts the sack on the ground and faces the annoyed person.

  "Good morning, dear! This is not how you should start a greeting in the morning, you know. Well, if one wants to be polite and civil with others, at least," the elderly woman responds in a gentle voice, yet the smug tone with which she throws her quips at her daughter seems condescending in its affection.

  "Quite bold of you to instruct me on how to greet someone in the morning, since I think showing your attitude right from the get-go is also unbecoming of a polite person, don't you think?" She quips back with a much mellower tone that has shifted from hysteria to mild annoyance. The elderly man chuckles at the response and then properly faces her.

  "Regarding the question, you rudely targeted me while in the middle of work. I just wanted to carry some of today's food for the farm animals. Is that so bad?" She asks innocently, yet the irritating smugness hasn't left.

  "It's bad since the doctor clearly told you to refrain from any physical labour, " she responds calmly.

  "Oh, I was just carrying a single thing and nothing else. I woke up early and just wanted to get some fresh air."

  "In that case, we have a perfectly comfortable bench and hanging chair for you to relax in. That should be more than enough. And for the last time, Ben and I have already told you we will take care of the farm in your place. I know it's tough for you to remain stagnant, but please understand that I want you to stay healthy. As long as possible..." The woman tried to convince her until she started tearing up. She looked away to regain her composure and continued. "Please understand that you can't just do stuff as spontaneously as before."

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  The woman sighed before responding. "I understand, dear... I'm sorry for being irresponsible. Is it not just me who I'm affecting with my affection?" She said, hugging her daughter gently before smiling at her. After all, I want to live long enough to meet my new grandson, don't I? I can't just stop at meeting my three-year-old granddaughter, can I?"

  "Nope. No, you can't." She smiles at her back.

  "Alright, it's time to finish carrying the grains, and then I'll go lay down!" she happily exclaims, but upon meeting her daughter's murderous glare, she quickly replies, "I was obviously joking, my dear!" as she heads back to the house.

  "You better! I will carry the rest, don't worry." She wistfully replies.

  "I swear, that girl..." The elder woman exclaims with an exasperation devoid of actual annoyance.

  "Already chewed out by her, I see." The figure in front of her, her son-in-law, greets her. "Good morning, Ma'am."

  "Good morning, dear. I sure am..." She says dejectedly.

  "I'm sure she already told you, but please feel free to relax more. I swear that we will work as diligently as you did!" The rather burly man says reassuringly, though in her eyes, he is still a young boy that she needs to take care of. She cannot help but view her children that way.

  "I fear you will, but that doesn't quite make being unproductive any easier. Although, I realize I truly have no choice but to adapt to that reality. Otherwise, my daughter might truly ensure my demise before my own body ever could!"

  "I fear, she very well might." The man exclaims with light laughter. "But fear not, since you won't have to be as unproductive as you might think!"

  "Are you referring to the children?"

  "Yes, they're already excited to visit again."

  She has made quite a reputation in the village for being the most respectable person on the planet. She has lived here for decades and has made lasting connections that span several generations, including the new generation younglings. They always flock around to play with her, talk to her about their days, and listen to her stories. She had a near infinite supply of things she could them, and the children listened to her intently with deep fascination about any story she would tell. Whether it's about her own "adventures", local folklore and myths, or sometimes stories she made up, they would always look at her with pure wonder as she kept talking. To her, this is her greatest joy. To take care of someone, provide for someone, and cheer someone on—all for her greatest treasure: the smiles of the faces dearest to her.