Otter Creek don't miss out

“You are welcome!” Tytonidae replied when he thanked her, remembering her manners. Somehow, those had become ingrained in her everyday conversations. It was probably Aunt Blue's doing. The stranger went on to return the compliment, specifically saying something about her eyes. Ty blinked, then squinted. But no matter how hard she tried, she could not see them.

“Really?” she asked, “I—I mean, thank you!” Yes, that was what she was supposed to say. Manners, of course. He introduced himself as a tree. Well, that was odd. He didn't look like a tree at all. Ty shrugged inwardly, but didn't ask him further. If he thought he was a tree, she wasn't going to argue. “My name is Ty.” Technically, that was her nickname, but her whole name was much too complicated to pronounce and get right. “Are you on a journey, too?” she asked.

But apparently, something had scared him off. Frowning, Tytonidae watched as he disappeared from her sight and into the distance.