The Tangle The night was heavy and the air was alive

She sniffled and pulled away from the stranger, and would've been embarrassed for her behavior had she been mindful enough. It was rude. She didn't even know him! But he was warm and Ibis needed to be comforted; he didn't appear aggressive anyways so there was no danger, in her little mind.

He asked her if she could talk — his tone was almost serious, and the words accented slightly. Ibis liked the sound of his voice and listened dreamily, and when he mentioned he could help her, she seemed to come back to herself. At least enough to nod at him. She swallowed a dry lump in her throat and in a voice worn soft with worry she said, Ibis, my name is Ibis.