My, What Long Ears You Have!

“Well, I thought maybe you were deformed or something.” Stepping forward Nico leaves the closer vantage point of his hiding spot to slowly walk a circle around the donkey, before stopping back where he started.  “No, your ears are funny lookin’.” Donkeys were just funny-looking animals apparently.  

Nico could have come up with an answer to what he was doing out here but it wouldn’t have included an answer to the question that hit after.  He would have skipped that part.  At the mention of his parents, Nico’s ears pull flat behind him.  The curiosity about his features changes to pain then guilt.  The boy almost looks aside but then turns his face to face directly into Oscars.  “My parents are dead.  It’s my fault.” He wouldn’t hide from the fact.  They were dead and wouldn’t have been if he hadn’t run off exploring.

The boy took a breath, drawing in strength as he continued, “anyway, so I decided I’d just do my own thing.” His eyes finally cast down after speaking the unspeakable. “Not like I can’t get food.  Plenty of food about.” Nico looked back up and said more humbly, “Mom said Coyotes are smarter than most predators, ya know.  Less reliant on large numbers and we aren’t picky eaters either.  I just, don’t feel like eating anything.”

"Nico"