Swiftcurrent Creek blueberries and butterflies

his ears twitched with each step the woman took closer, eyes peering upward just as the words little one struck him. "i ain't little!" he challenged while springing upwards with bounds of energy. he hopped off a few paces, sizing up the woman before he puffed out his chest and proudly displayed himself as if he were a show dog. 

"i'm almost as big as you!" he squawked, paw lifted to point in her direction. maybe almost was not quite accurate, but the specifics didn't matter in the moment. one day he would be almost as big as her — no, he would be even bigger!