[Gift] FOTN 2023 - #01 Ugly Sweater

“Look what abuelita made for you, mijita.”

Aiko poked her head out from the pile of blankets. They were warm and soft, they kept her safe from the cold. She didn’t want to leave her warm cave yet. The lights in the caravan lit up before dimming down but they didn’t turn off. Fidelia smiled and walked over before kneeling down in front of her. She smelled like safety and the lights brightened again.

“My niñita sleepy?”

Aiko nodded, reaching a hand out to touch the soft, familiar fur. Happy purrs vibrated from Fidelia as she touched her cheek. She let out a sleepy chirp and rested her head down on the bed. So tired, so sleepy. The lights dimmed once more as her head was stroked, careful avoiding the apparatus Malakai put on her. To breathe, he once explained. 

“I won’t be long then. I know my baby needs her beauty sleep,” Fidelia purred and Aiko sleepily nodded. It was too warm to not sleep. “Abuela made you something very special. For her dulce nieta.”

She unfolded something from her lap and held it up proudly. The lights brightened as Aiko tilted her head curiously. It was a dark green like the forest tops that were around their den. The ones Monti didn’t like. In the middle was all white that looked like snow. It made a snowman or… snowcat? It had ears on top of its snow head, all pointy and there were whiskers on its face.

Aiko tilted her head more and reached out to touch the white fabric. It was soft. Soft like the clothes Fi and Mal wore in the cold. It felt safe. She let out another chirp and brushed her fingers over the different colors. 

“Do you like it, mi dulce hija?” 

She nodded and Fidelia purred louder. She felt happier and she put her arms up. She wanted to feel more safe. She wanted to be like her and Mal. Fidelia cooed and carefully placed it on her, opening something so her wings couldn’t be disturbed. It felt snug and Aiko cooed back. The lights became brighter. She felt safe and happy.