Inheritance of Shadows

XI

The days settled into a steady rhythm, and by late May, the Betancourt family had started feeling at home. With school enrollment months away, Damian and Helena enjoyed the last days of summer vacation, spending their time exploring the grounds of the estate and learning about the family business.

One morning, Javier decided to take the children out on horseback to tour the property. As they made their way to the fields, the morning sun was already warm, promising another bright day. Workers were scattered across the plots, turning soil, preparing it for corn planting. Damian and Helena looked on, fascinated, as Javier explained that these fields would soon be covered in tall, golden stalks. “Corn is the village’s pride,” Javier explained. “Our corn feeds hundreds, even thousands, across the country.”

Next, they rode on to the section where the Betancourts’ Charolais cattle were kept. The barn loomed ahead, a sturdy structure with some smaller barracks nearby for wranglers and caretakers. Calves mingled beside their mothers, soft-eyed and curious as the visitors approached. Javier explained the importance of each phase, from raising the cattle to butchering and packaging the meat. “Our goal is to manage every part of the process ourselves. When it’s time, we’ll have our own cuts ready to go straight to businesses who can stock them for customers.”

Damian’s eyes widened. “You mean we’re going to sell our own beef? Like a whole company?”

Javier nodded, smiling. “Exactly. It’s a lot of work, but with all of us involved, it could be something special.” He explained that Charolais cattle were known for their beef quality, making them a solid choice for their venture. Helena listened closely, fascinated by the scope of the business and by her father’s vision for it.

Later that evening, they gathered around the dining table, sharing stories and thoughts from their outing. The children were filled with questions.

“Do we have any bulls for rodeo?” Damian asked excitedly, his face lighting up. Javier chuckled, “Not right now, but it’s a good idea. Might be something to think about.” They all laughed as Javier continued explaining different ways they could grow the business.

Helena, always the more reflective of the two, asked, “Why do we focus so much on corn, Papa? Couldn’t we plant something else too?”

“That’s a great question, Helena,” he replied. “Corn is a staple for us. This entire area is known for it, and exporting it to other parts of the country brings money back to the village.” He paused thoughtfully, adding, “But maybe it is worth thinking about expanding, trying new crops that might grow well here.”

As the dinner continued, the family chatted about future ideas and possibilities for the business. It felt like a real beginning for Javier, who saw the light in his children’s eyes and knew they were as invested in the family’s legacy as he was.

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The next morning came early. Javier was awake at dawn, and as he passed by Damian’s room, he heard movement. Curious, he peeked inside and saw Damian pulling on his jeans and boots, his long-sleeved shirt tucked in and a hat perched on his head.

“Where are you off to, cowboy?” Javier asked with a chuckle. Damian spun around, nearly losing his hat in the process. “I want to come with you, Papa,” he said earnestly. “I want to see how everything works.” Javier, surprised by his son’s eagerness, nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

They set off, father and son side by side on horseback, heading into town. Along the way, Damian asked a question that caught Javier off guard. “Do you have any siblings, Papa?”

Javier hesitated before responding, “Yes, I have a younger sister, Lucia.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “We aren’t getting along very well right now.”