Bonds of Trust

Ava

That afternoon, as we were having lunch, Lily pushed her plate away with a frustrated sigh. "Another rotten potato from the garden," she grumbled. "This is getting ridiculous."

"Have you had a chance to see why the garden is producing so poorly?" I asked, trying to hide my concern.

Lily shook her head, her expression weary. "I'm too busy with other responsibilities to look into it."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I can look into it. I'm good with that kind of stuff."

Lily's eyes brightened with relief. "Really? That would be wonderful. Thank you, Ava."

I spent my afternoon going over the paperwork for how the garden and livestock were suppose to be running. The vegetable garden, a potential source of fresh produce, was overgrown with weeds. The plants struggled to yield anything substantial, and it was clear that things weren't being done to standards.

One morning, I approached a woman tending the plants. "How often do you water the garden?" I asked.

"Not regularly," she admitted, sighing. "We just do it when we remember."

"Who's in charge of the garden?" I inquired.

She shrugged. "No one, really. We all just pitch in when we can."

I nodded, understanding the need for a consistent watering schedule and designated leadership.

The chickens and goats were not faring much better, their living conditions far from ideal, leading to poor health and productivity. I spoke with the young man in charge of the livestock. "What do you feed the chickens and goats?" I inquired.

"Mostly scraps and whatever we can find," he said with a shrug.

"Do you think they're getting the nutrients they need?" I pressed gently.

He shook his head. "Probably not. We just make do with what we have."

"Who oversees their care?" I asked, trying to pinpoint the leadership.

"Well, I guess that would be me," he said, looking a bit sheepish. "But I don't really have much experience."

The disorganization in the food storage area led to unnecessary spoilage and waste. "How do you organize the food here?" I asked another pack member, who was stacking shelves haphazardly.

"Organize?" he echoed, looking confused. "We just put things wherever there's space."

"Is there anyone in charge of managing this area?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No, we just all do what we can."

It was clear to me that a change was desperately needed. I gathered everyone who worked in these areas together. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a surge of nervousness. But I knew that the conditions were deplorable, and I couldn't stand to see it continue.

"Everyone," I began, my voice shaking slightly but growing stronger with each word, "I've been observing how things are run, and it's clear we need to make some changes. Effective immediately, I'll be taking charge of the garden, livestock, and food storage."

The workers looked at me with a mix of surprise and hope. I took a deep breath and continued. "I know this is sudden, but the way things are now isn't sustainable. Over the next few days, we will be retraining everyone. We need to implement better practices for gardening, animal care, and food storage. I will make sure everything gets what it needs."

There was a murmur of agreement, and I saw a few nods. The expressions on their faces shifted from skepticism to cautious optimism.

"I'll be working closely with all of you," I said, meeting their eyes. "We're going to make this work, together."

To ensure I addressed everyone's needs, I decided to appoint three individuals to lead each team. I called them aside to explain the plan and discuss how they could take charge.

"Mary," I began, speaking to the woman who had been working in the garden, "I'd like you to lead the Garden Team. We'll start by clearing the weeds and setting up an efficient irrigation system. We'll also build compost bins to create natural fertilizer. How does that sound?"

Mary looked surprised but pleased. "I'd be happy to lead the team. We need better tools and seeds, though."

"Got it. I'll see what I can do about getting new tools and seeds," I assured her.

Next, I turned to the young man in charge of the livestock. "John, you'll lead the Livestock Team. We need to improve the living conditions for the chickens and goats. This includes proper feeding, cleaning, and healthcare. We'll also rotate the animals on the garden beds that aren't being used. Letting them graze on those plots will help fertilize the soil naturally."

"Sounds like a lot of work," John remarked, but there was a note of eagerness in his voice.

"It is," I admitted with a smile, "but it will be worth it. We'll get a feeding schedule sorted out, and I'll arrange for some training on how to handle the animals better. Things will be easier in the long run."

Finally, I addressed the pack member stacking shelves. "Sarah, I need you to lead the Storage Team. We need to reorganize the storage area, label shelves, and create a rotation system to use older food first. We'll also learn preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of our produce."

"Like drying herbs and making jams?" Sarah asked.

"Exactly," I said, pleased at her interest. "What would make this area more efficient?"

"Labels and shelves that are easier to access," she suggested. "And maybe a system to rotate the food so nothing goes to waste."

"Excellent ideas," I said, jotting down notes. "We'll implement those changes."

Later, I shared my findings and plans with Caleb and Lily. We gathered around the kitchen table, and I laid out my ideas.

"I've noticed some areas where we could really improve our resource management," I began, laying out my plans for the garden, livestock, and food storage. "Healthier plants and animals will yield more food, and better storage will prevent spoilage. Composting will reduce waste and provide natural fertilizer. And by rotating the livestock on the garden beds that aren't being used, we can naturally fertilize the soil."

Caleb listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "You've put a lot of thought into this," he said, finally. "I'm impressed. Let's give it a try."

Lily nodded enthusiastically. "I'll help coordinate the efforts. This sounds like exactly what we need."

"Thank you, both of you," I said, feeling a mix of relief and determination. "I really think this will make a big difference."

Caleb leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "What do you need from us to get started?"

"We need better tools and seeds for the garden," I replied. "And proper food for the animals. I'll also need help organizing workshops to teach everyone the new methods."

"Consider it done," Caleb said. "I'll get you whatever you need."

"Thank you, Caleb," I said, genuinely touched by his support.

With Caleb's approval, I organized the pack members into teams based on their strengths and interests. It was heartening to see everyone willing to pitch in.

"Alright, Garden Team," I announced, "Mary will lead you in clearing the weeds and setting up an efficient irrigation system. We'll also build compost bins to create natural fertilizer." We rolled up our sleeves and got to work, transforming the neglected garden into a thriving oasis.

Next, I addressed the Livestock Team. "John will lead you in improving the living conditions for the chickens and goats. This includes proper feeding, cleaning, and healthcare. We'll also rotate the animals on the garden beds that aren't being used. Letting them graze on those plots will help fertilize the soil naturally."

We repaired and cleaned the animal pens, ensuring the animals had healthy living conditions. It was hard work, but seeing the animals thrive made it worth it.

For the Storage Team, Sarah took charge of reorganizing the storage area, labeling shelves, and creating a rotation system to use older food first. "We'll also learn preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of our produce," I explained.

We dried herbs and vegetables, made jams, and stored grains properly, significantly reducing waste.

I realized that it wasn't enough to make these changes myself—I needed to teach others too. focused on teaching Mary, John, and Sarah first. Then I planned some workshops to teach later for people who wanted to learn.

"Why is crop rotation important?" Mary asked.

"Crop rotation helps maintain soil health and reduces pest problems," I explained. "It ensures that our plants get the nutrients they need. And rotating the animals on the garden beds adds natural fertilizer to the soil."

I offered one-on-one mentoring to those who were particularly interested or struggling with the new techniques. Seeing them learn and grow gave me a deep sense of satisfaction.

At the end of the day, Caleb, Lily, and I sat down to review our progress. "How's everything going?" Caleb asked, his eyes full of interest.

"Better than I expected," I said, smiling. "Everyone is really getting into it."

Lily grinned. "I knew you'd make a difference, Ava."

"Thanks, Lily," I replied. "I couldn't have done it without your support."

Caleb nodded. "We're lucky to have you here, Ava. Keep up the great work."

"Thank you, Caleb," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I will."

Seeing the pack members learn and grow gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. I knew we were on the right path.