Witch's Marsh A Toad's Memory

when she turned back to him, marten stifles his own chuckle. his lips turn up in a smile and his ears flick. his name was rupert -- don't laugh at me! i was a kid, he says, all in good nature, giving her a friendly side-eye. she didn't seem bothered by it, and he could see the humor in it. he wondered why she mention alive, but he didn't pry. maybe it was just a test, like, it was alive, wasn't it? he nods. rupert was alive, yes, i kept him in a little hole and fed him little worms.

the question asked, are you okay would probably bring out a full meltdown in most wolves, but not in marten. his expression dulled, for sure, but he gives her a sad sort of smile. my mom died, he tells her simply, though he elaborates, she was the only thing in my life. and now i don't know what i have. 

then, the yearling shrugs. not to throw that on you, but you asked, he says a with a flick of his ears, trying to bring up the mood a little.