The dark one, the one with the pale hair is bold, unlike me. I watch her as she glances sidelong at her brother, a domineering energy. I offer a gentle smile to the boy ‘Sahm’ she called him, after he repeats my name. My eyes trace over his speckles, forming shapes from the clusters, silhouettes of animals and objects. He was nice, and I was sure we would get along, even if we didn’t play a game. We would probably have been just as content to sit quietly, and enjoy each other’s company. I felt bad that she had pushed him out of her way, but I understand what it is to be meek. I would have just as easily been disregarded, though doubtful I would have voiced any objection. I tried not to be over zealous with my sympathy, quickly pretending it had never happened so as not to cause any further mortification.
Sidra is quick to suggest a game, one I hadn’t played before. I listen intently as she explains the method of play, my plume twisting, a small gesture of my excitement. I wasn’t so outgoing, but I found myself wishing I could so easily interact with others. The girl was my opposite, where I seemed to struggle she excelled. I wasn’t yet aware of the distemper twisting in my gut, the storm of emotion I would struggle to keep at bay. The cynical thoughts that would blister my brain, forming a riff between me and those I was close to.
She even offered to go first, and my interest was peaked. “Yeah, okay. Hide and Seek.” I nod in my acceptance, my copper orbs falling on Sahm, I hoped he would want to play too. I could probably use some help deciding where to hide, and he seemed quiet enough as to not give us away. “What about you Sahm?”
![[Image: Tioga.png]](http://s16.postimg.org/ceb0gz0n9/Tioga.png)