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She's looking at me now, as a brushstroke of concern glides slowly across her face. Something I've said has rustled her fur. Ah, damn, maybe I should have just kept it to myself. I knew she would be upset when she found out. Like lightning, she's in front of me, holding my shoulders, looking at me, dead in the face. She says nothing and I wait for the oncoming talking to. That much, I know I deserve.
It never comes, the verbal slap never eventuates. Her ears twitch about, as if she's trying to hear my thoughts, judge my intentions, but yet, she just continues to stare into my eyes. I swear, for a time, that seconds begin to drag for eternity. Suddenly, I flinch with my whole body as warm fur and a strong set of arms secure themselves around my torso. A sweet scent, like honeyed wine and spring nectar rises around us as I realise what is happening. Is this? Is, she hugging me? She's.. not angry?
Queenie must have noticed how tense I was because at that moment, her embrace softens a little as she whispers "It's okay friend. You did the right thing. It's okay."
The anvil that was holding my heart to the floor lifts and relief floods my veins like a shower washes away the days toil. I sink into the hug and breathe deeply, the tufts of fur on her shoulders and neck tickling my nose. Somewhere, beyond the recent events, through all of the chaos, I feel the kindling of yellow flame, a bright spark of deep hope and the building urge to keep moving, to a new day, a new future.