Swiftcurrent Creek Closing in

Helios remains dominant in posture, even as the gal answers his question in a roundabout way. Her confusion makes it evident that French may not be a language she knows, but she is right in her assumption. Minnow. Helios stares down the edge of his nose at her, tail flagged upwards.

‘Auntie’? He repeats—never hearing the word before, and not knowing what or who it meant.