A four year old leaning against my shoulder laughs. “They’re scared cuz they heard you’re the Goddess’s daughter.”
“Well that’s just silliness.” I shake my head. “Haven’t you told them how nice I am? That I’m so fat I have to waddle when I walk, and I spend all my time sleeping?
The children laugh and I see a small boy lurking closer, encouraged by the happy sounds. “Hello there.” I say, peering through the assembled pups to catch him in my crosshairs. “Would you like to join us?”
He freezes and looks at the other pups for reassurance. I carefully shift the boy currently in my arms to make room, and extend my hands to the skittish toddler, “don’t be afraid angel, you have all your brothers and sisters here to look out for you.”
His face closes off, “They’re not bwothers or sisters.”
“
