It was hot out today. Suha had tried, in vain, to find a cloud to watch. She loved to see the way they shifted shape as they sped across the bright blue skies. But today, when their fleeting shade would have been most welcome, there were none. It was just as well though, because she didn’t think she really felt like making stories about them. Or did she?
Honestly, the little Banu wasn’t sure anymore. She’d been upset for a while over her horrible story-telling failure, and then confused by her aunt Amani’s Pad leaving her all alone out in the rogue lands even though she loved him. But...but then she’d met up with Rahim. And he’d helped to explain what happened, and even though she was now mildly concerned that the sky was going to take her away like it took Grandfather and her aunt’s Pad, she was feeling better.
Much better actually. She’d really liked talking to the olive-furred cub. He was so smart, he knew everything. And it wasn’t at all scary to ask him a question, even though it might be to ask a grown-up. And…and he said he liked her. Said he liked to be friends. It made her all giddy!
Giggling, Suha flopped down in the shade of a bush, rolling over on her back to bat playfully at the leaves above her. Maybe she would go for a swim soon. The cool water would feel nice. And maybe, just maybe, she’d run into Rahim on her way again. Maybe. It would be nice to go with someone, going alone wasn’t quite as fun…
