I miss it sometimes

An uncle! Shrike would yip, bouncing on his paws. He didn’t even notice that Finch had come up behind him, and had his tail not brushed against her -- startling him as well -- he wouldn’t have even noticed her. The boy would spin, tail wagging a mile a minute. Oh heyyyy Lark showed up too! He would nudge Finch, yipping with delight. “This is awesome! Come on Lark, come closer~” Shrike would prance around so he was facing forward again, still bouncing on his paws. “So you’re strong right? Or really fast? Bet you I can win in a race!” The boy’s energy seemed to be bubbling over. Challenge was set, and Chord better not take the bait. Shrike was the fastest runner! No doubt, and he’d stand by that claim.

"Speech!"
'Thoughts!'