Northstar Vale Astéria

Zulema appeared pleased with the answer he’d given. She wagged her tail, flicking mud. The boy watched the flecks, making sure they didn’t touch him. The sight of it was difficult to process. He felt overwhelmed with the urge to run away.

It was fortunate that the boy’s sister asked for a race.

Antigone glanced toward Zulema. His navy-blue gaze was hard. Would it be fair to race when she was carrying the frog with her? It was an added piece that he didn’t have. If she wanted to run, he wouldn’t decline. It would please the itch inside of him – run from the mess.

Yeah, let’s race. I’ll catch you a treat later if you beat me.

But Antigone did not wait for her to agree. He darted away, eager to put as much distance between himself and the frog as he could.