After their hearty lunch, the group of seven returned to their cabins by the lakeside. The sun was slightly lower now, casting a warm amber glow across the water. The fallen yellow and red leaves drifted on the rippling surface.
Lorianne walked between Nathaniel and Elsie, clutching the last piece of candied apple offered by the cook. Her steps had slowed after exhausting her energy in the morning despite having a full belly of food.
"I'm not sleepy," Lorianne insisted with a tiny yawn, her brown eyes glazing.
"You sure," Nathaniel chuckled as he leaned down, "Let's see who's blinking like a baby owl."
Elsie laughed softly. She gently ran her hand over Lorianne's head, "Just a quick rest, my dear. Then we can go and see the ponies you want."
That did the trick as the little one perked up immediately, "Mommy, how about the goats? The bunnies and chickens too?"
"Yes, they too," said Elsie, "You can see your Snowball again if you want."
