He nipped back at her, the playful action easing some of his nerves. And yet Faolán still couldn’t believe his little eyes. There was so much to see! So much to do! Soon their father stood beside them, encouraging, protective. All three siblings gazed out at the vast new world beyond the den.

He listened as his sister babbled to their father, her voice becoming more comforting with each passing day. Now what? Could they… go farther? That was ridiculous. Right? Nothing was really stopping them. Gathering what little courage he had, Faolán decided to be brave for his sister’s sake. Slowly, tentatively, he crept forward, one clumsy paw placed in front of the other. He would make sure they were safe.

It wasn’t so bad, until the creature attacked.

Eilidh’s yip of panic snapped his attention, and he turned to stare the grasshopper straight in the face. Horror shot through him, and with a shriek he bolted back into the den.

Dadadadadada!

A frantic mess of limbs, he tumbled over his sisters in his terror, finally pressing himself against them, desperate for comfort as his little heart thundered in his chest. Never again, he decided.

Nonononono.

He did not like this new world.