Hushed Willows if you're travelin' in the north country fair

sound and motion nearby caught his attention, and he turned to see seabreeze and atwood approaching, the former of which he shot a smile, the latter he beckoned closer with a nod. hey, kid, cortez greeted softly, careful not to disturb the myriad butterflies nearby. ziggy looked up briefly but was soon distracted again.

aren't they pretty? he whispered, grinning. his eyes followed one in particular, a brilliant-hued yellow butterfly that stuck out even among the bright flowers. brighter than the sun, even—what yellow could be that bright? if it grew dark, cortez thought, the insect would glow.

he turned to the boys, his eyes twinkling with sly, good humor. did you know that butterflies look like worms when they're younger? you know what worms are, right?