"Do I really have to leave?" I asked, arms crossed. "I understand someone has to take care of Grandpa’s farm, but why does it have to be me? What about Krystal? She’d love to take care of it."

Mom’s expression remained firm. "Dontae, your grandpa wanted you to be the one to take care of his farm, and we, as a family, are going to honor his wishes."

"So I’m supposed to stop my life to go play in the mud all day?" I scoffed. "I wanted to go to school, Mom. I wanted to become a doctor. How am I supposed to do that in the middle of nowhere?"

She let out a slow breath. "It’s a lot more than playing in the mud. You’ll have a whole house to upkeep, and there are a few farm animals to take care of—his hogs, chickens… and Pinto. You loved riding him as a kid."

I shook my head, but she pressed on.

"We wanted to give you one more surprise before you go," she said, her tone softening. "Something to keep you company."

She gestured toward a small bundle of fur on the floor.

"A cat?" My brows furrowed. "Why a cat? I’m more of a dog person."

"You might be, but your father and I agreed that a dog would be harder to take care of at first. You’d have to walk it, train it, keep it entertained. A cat is more independent."

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I glanced at the thing curled up in the corner. He barely looked a year old.

"Where did you find him?" I asked, frowning. "He looks like he’s about to keel over any minute. You can hear his breathing—it sounds like a car’s ignition about to misfire."

The cat lay on his side, watching me with half-lidded eyes. He tried to move but couldn’t. The most he could do was stick his tongue out. His black-and-white fur was matted, his body was small and stubby, and he reeked of piss and shit.

"You call this easy?" I scoffed, looking back at Mom. "He can’t even move. Do I have to carry him everywhere? This isn’t charity—I’m just stuck taking care of him until he dies. He can’t even turn his body… can he even walk?"

"He can, but only a little. But that’s only for now," she reassured me. "Your father found him at work, and we knew we couldn’t just leave him. We both think he’d be good for you."

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head.

"I know Grandpa has animals, but they’re already taken care of," she continued. "This cat is different. He’s something you can take care of, just for yourself. In a couple of months, he’ll be healthier, and the pride you’ll have in yourself will be worth more than anything on this island. Just trust me, son. You’ll be happy taking care of the farm, and your new pet will keep you company. You’ll understand in time."

I swallowed hard. "I really don’t want to, and I don’t understand. But if Grandpa wanted me to take care of his land… I’ll make him proud." I hesitated. "I just—I still want to live my life. I still want to go to school. How am I supposed to meet people out there?"

Not that I even wanted to meet people, but still… it wasn’t fair.

I glanced back at the cat. "This cat… I can’t even promise he’ll survive the car ride."

Mom placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know Dad couldn’t be here to see you off, but we’re both proud of you and the man you’ll become."

She gave me a small, sad smile. "We’ll write to you and visit in a couple of months."