The lush green grass of the meadows captured my attention. I trotted as fast as I could and started gnawing the succulent grass.

By the way, I’m Nibble, the cow. I enjoy visiting new places and that is only possible for me as long as my owners keep selling me to the next owner. I have been to many cities, a farmhouse near the lake and last, but not the least, the butcher’s shop. Escaping from the butcher’s shop is a whole next level story, but let’s save it for the next meeting.

My favourite place was the farm with the lakeside view, though my mum always told me not to go near the lake as she would shout, “I’m warning you! Don’t you dare step in the lake! You will drown!”

She’s always worried about me. But now, I am independent, no one tells me what to do and what not to.

Yesterday, I was enjoying some ‘me time’, nipping the fresh and juicy grass when I accidently hit Happy, the hippo. For the first time I found him irritated. He started chasing me. Soon, we both reached the barn and my mum saw us going round and round in circles.

I knew what is going to happen next! So, I closed my eyes tightly and sure enough, I heard mum say, “Come on, Nibble! Open your eyes and look around.”

I reluctantly peeked and, to my surprise, Pinky the pony, Frank the foal, Snowy the sheep, Denny the duck and Hena the hen, were all there with their families.

Everyone sung together, “Happy birthday, dear Nibble!”

They brought plenty leaves, corn, wheat and oats as gifts. Indeed, it was the most memorable birthday of mine!

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 1st, 2022