My Turn!

He waited, but nothing else came from the water. What did arrive, however, was a chittering squirrel with a gaze he’d never before seen in the species. So they had taken the form of a squirrel this time? Neat! The boy grinned eagerly, turning toward Melanthios with his tail wagging back and forth. “Melanthios! You came!” The squirrel gave a nod of confirmation at his exclamation. He flopped down on the earth, hoping to be more on eye level with them as he started to talk again.

“I wanted to know how you got to be so strong, and how you were able to overcome your fear to help my dad. I want to be strong but… I’m worried there might be times I’m just so afraid I won’t be able to do much.” Alex offered a sheepish smile. “Mom and her companions are teaching me everything they can, though! I’m really grateful that they’ve been trying so hard for us. She has to take a trip soon… I wish she didn’t have to go.” A lot of things spilled from him in his eagerness. Hopefully, Melanthios would be able to keep up!

"Family"