A Blissful Time

On an elegant morning, Ahmed woke up early to help Amina with her garden. As she watered the plants, she began talking about dinosaurs.

"Ahmed," called out Amina.

"Yes, mom?" replied Ahmed while he trimmed down a plant.

Amina turned towards Ahmed and said, "Remember, these creatures are more than objects of the past. They are also living beings, much like us. Our job needs us to ensure their well-being."

Ahmed nodded along with everything his mother was saying. As he listened intently, he slowly understood that the job that they were tasked with was of the utmost importance.

After living the life of Ahmed and working at the family's conservation, he gained a new sense of purpose. He felt like he contributed to the protection of these incredible beings.

"I understand, mother. They're like our family," said Ahmed as he held his chest.

"That's right, dear. Just like you, they're a part of the family too." Amina's eyes sparkled with pride as she caressed Ahmed's hair.

When he finished helping his mother, he went with Raul to the enclosure. After spending a decent amount of time with the hatchlings, he got to know their distinct personalities as he grew up.

One of the first dinosaurs he interacted with was Luna, a kind and caring Brachiosaurus. Luna would often lower her head and gesture to Ahmed to pat her head.

Then there was Rocky, the playful and naughty Velociraptor. Like a dog, he enjoyed playing and chasing after sticks.

Both dinosaurs had distinctive charms about them. Ahmed treasured them both and would often come to the enclosure just to play with them. Quickly forming bonds with them.

But he didn't stop at two. He had many more dinosaurs he'd gotten to know and got along with.

Among them was Rex, the elderly and gentle Tyrannosaurus Rex. Ahmed would often admire the sunset along with Rex. Rex was like Raul, in that they always seemed so calm.

Another mischievous dinosaur was Spike. Spike was the baby Triceratops that his father, Raul, fed when he first came to the enclosure.

Every dinosaur brought its own dynamic to the family. Ahmed couldn't begin to imagine his life without them.

On a beautiful full moon, he stayed behind with the dinosaurs. He gaped at the beauty of it, along with the beauty of Luna, the Brachiosaurus.

"I don't deserve you, Luna. I'm so lucky to know you," whispered Ahmed as he offered her leaves.

Luna gratefully accepted the leaves from Ahmed's hands. While she munched the leaves Ahmed gave her, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude.

Despite her ginormous size, Luna always displayed a gentle and kind nature, unlike other dinosaurs of her age. Ahmed felt safe whenever he was around her.

Whenever Luna gazed into Ahmed's eyes, her eyes felt like the gentle moon above. In moments like that, Ahmed felt a profound connection with her.

As they stared at the moon, Ahmed couldn't wonder what she would say if she were ever able to speak the human language.

When he went back for dinner, he couldn't help but ask his father, "Dad, how did our family end up in this line of work?"

"Your father's side of the family had been in the business for generations," explained Amina while she handed him his food.

"Yes. My family has been researching dinosaurs ever since they discovered the first fossil. However, my mother was struck with a calamity.

My father turned out to be a spy for an enemy. He kept on sabotaging, and the workers reported what he was doing.

But my mother was blinded by love. She didn't believe a word the workers said. Therefore, the workers slowly left, and the new workers were all under my father's command.

Before she knew it, on the day of an important shipment, my father's men hijacked the ship with him. They brought the dinosaurs to enemy territory," Raul explained with a dejected look.

"That's disheartening," said Ahmed as he looked down at his food.

"But then! Your mother's family came clutch. They offered money to help rebuild from scratch. In exchange, her family would be the first on the priority list," Raul exclaimed with joy.

"That's also how we met and fell in love," chuckled Amina with her hand covering her mouth.

Ahmed's eyes lit up with the fantastic news. When he listened to his father's story, he couldn't help but feel dejected as well. But the ending made him elated.

The work of his ancestors in maintaining the lives of the ancient creatures filled him with pride. There was a connection to their legacy, and they were eager to continue their work.

Amina added, "Every dinosaur has its secrets. We maintain a good relationship so that they are comfortable showing it."

The next morning, Ahmed sat down in a glass room, accompanied by a Galliminus. With a sketchbook in his hand, he drew the graceful movements of the creature.

"This is where I'm meant to be," he whispered to himself while being reminded of the existence of Bernard.

Each stroke made his passion for dinosaurs grow. He knew that if he kept drawing, he'd capture the very essence of the ancient creatures.

He hoped that his drawings, along with his genius mind, could help the paleontologists in his world. He wanted to transport them back in time with his drawings.

As he kept sketching, he imagined a future where everyone would treat creatures in a better way. Whether they were from the past, present, or future.

The Gallimimus danced as he sketched away. He responded in kind, with each line forming like a graceful swan.

His heart swelled with excitement at the thought of his artwork possibly having an impact on others.

It was to the point that he imagined a museum filled with only his illustrations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of the creatures he drew and gain a deeper appreciation.

"I don't want to go back," he muttered to himself as he witnessed the dance of the Gallimimus.

The few weeks he spent together with his new family and the dinosaurs were etched into his memories.

In the morning, he would help his mother with the garden. Afterward, he would head to the enclosure, where he continued drawing other dinosaurs.

With every interaction he had, Ahmed felt a newfound sense of completeness. He thought the mission he was assigned would be complete even if he continued as is.

As the sun set over the orchard, the light from the sun painted layers of gold and purple hues. Ahmed smiled from atop his window.

Although he doesn't admit it, his heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude for his new family, along with the dinosaurs.

But on a lovely night, while the family gathered for dinner, the phone rang. It grew more ominous as it continued to ring.