Bonnie’s well-timed joke had momentarily drowned out the enigmatic noise, leaving Jack with a gnawing curiosity. He had been on the verge of stepping outside to investigate the unsettling sound, but her surprise had derailed his pursuit.
In the midst of their shared laughter, the patter of small feet heralded the arrival of their two daughters, their expressions etched with worry. “Where’s Mommy?” “Is she okay?!” “We heard her screaming!” one daughter cried out. Jack and his wife exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles a beacon of reassurance for the children. For an instant, it appeared as though the day would unfold with its usual, comforting rhythm.
Once the last morsels of breakfast had been savored, Jack knew it was time to venture outside and tend to his animals. With buckets of feed in hand, he strode towards the chicken coop.
As he neared the coop, he noticed that his chickens behaved peculiarly, their movements tinged with an uncharacteristic unease. They paced nervously within their enclosure, their feathery bodies seemingly trembling with fear. Jack could sense their distress, the palpable tension in the air sending shivers down his spine. What could have possibly triggered such anxiety within his beloved flocks?
