of reindeer and green balloons {m}

As he wound his way around her, a thud hit Hawkeye in the chest. What am I doing?! she screamed at herself, but she did not stop him.

Not until she felt him poking around. Then she really had time to think. "Wait!" She panted out, groaning inwardly. Not wanting to stop, but mind protesting, she slammed her rear to the ground and ducked out from under Atticus. "I-I can't do this, Atticus. Not when-Peregrine. I mean, he..." Stopping there, the midnight wolf had no idea what was pouring from her mouth. Nor did she know what had overtaken her in that moment which was burned into her memory like the fire that absorbed her eyes moments before.