Lost Creek Hollow high highs and low lows

She'd called and sat there after for a few minutes, looking eagerly for any of the adults - and just as she turned to her companion to assure her there'd be someone along soon, she felt a bump as the stranger broached her personal bubble and attempted to nuzzle her head. This was a behavior usually seen by her closest family, but it brought a slurry of conflicting emotions to light within Ibis; before she could really react, Dulce said something about coming back later and was gone.

Ibis was left all alone after that. The girl gawked at the space the stranger had previously occupied and gradually trailed her attention along where Dulce had departed - but was unable to shake the feeling of their unwanted affection, which set her skin crawling (for which she felt guilty; it had been harmless, and it wasn't like she was so reserved as to withdraw from physical affection); the fact it had been a total stranger might've bene what set off the feeling.

Confused by herself, Ibis tried to shake the feelings off as she crossed deeper in to the Hollow - seeking some comfort somewhere, or a distraction.