Chapter 1

Code © Skelle 2022 | Art © Fox 2022

"Speech!"
When he snickered at her words, she wanted to disappear. Whether he meant it in jest towards her or not, it didn't feel real good to have someone else laughing about it. Even when he asked if he was huge too, it hardly helped but she feigned a small smile anyway. He kept talking, though it hardly bothered her. If he kept talking then she wouldn't be forced to answer just yet. He mentioned being the largest one of his siblings and what felt like a breath of relief came from her. Apparently she was holding her breath? At least for a moment, but it felt good to hear that at least. They met eyes and she smiled, glad that even if he was smaller than her that he was at least trying to be supportive.

The next thing he said caused her to quickly look away, her cheeks heating up as he mentioned taking on anyone that tried to bully her. It felt good to have someone on her side, especially someone her age that wasn't family. With her eyes averted and her cheeks burning, she muttered a soft thanks as they stood and waited in line. She didn't know what to say, but felt somewhat giddy inside suddenly despite the way she felt moments before.

He ordered them a fried dough snack and the snow leopard paid. Smiling at the cat and offering a nod in thanks, she carried her doughnut alongside her new friend towards the tree, laughing at his comment. There was no doubt that her raven was already eyeing the new snack from it's perch, waiting for the right time to come over and beg for a bite. She sat down at the base of the tree and took a bite of her doughnut as the boy introduced himself finally, giggling as he spoke around the mouthful and also reminding her that she hadn't introduced herself either. "I'm Widow Klein, from Habari!"