my lungs will fill and then deflate

Wrap up soon?

Aesop nodded, smiling sadly.  In his days, it was not the night he dreaded, but the day.  The light the day shone on him and his problems was uncomfortable, serving only as a reminder of his misfortunes and shortcomings.  The night, however, brought with it a blanket of stars in which he wrapped himself.  When the seasons allowed, he traveled by night and slept by day.

He laughed and bumped her shoulder with his, gently, so as to not push her too much.  "You run a tight ship, Thistle Cloud," he said.  "I like that.  I'd like to stick around, this time."  His tail swished happily, trailing behind him as he walked.