Q Helps a Friend Stand Up

Q adjusted their spectacles and stepped out from the library's shade, carrying a basket of books for the Meadow Commons. The afternoon sun warmed their silvery-gray fur as they walked the familiar path bordered by wildflowers.

Laughter drifted across the meadow. A circle of young animals—two rabbits, a fox kit, and a badger—were choosing teams for Leap-the-Stream. Q paused near the old oak, noticing Clover standing apart, her spotted coat catching the light.

"I want to play," Clover said softly, stepping forward.

The fox kit, Russet, flicked his tail. "This game needs fast runners."

"I can run," Clover offered.

"Deer don't play our games," one rabbit said, not unkindly, but firmly. "You wouldn't understand the rules."

Q watched Clover's ears droop. The young fawn turned away, walking toward the stream's edge alone. The other animals resumed their game as if nothing had happened.

Q approached the book basket, then glanced back at the playing group. Their fins shimmered faintly—that old sensation of worlds not quite aligning.

Clover sat by the water now, trailing one hoof in the current.

Q picked up the basket and walked toward the fawn. "I brought the new story collection you requested," Q said gently.

Clover looked up, eyes bright with unshed tears. "They never let me play, Q. Never."

Before Q could respond, Russet's voice rang out: "Tomorrow we're having a real tournament. Only serious players."

The other young animals cheered. Clover's head dropped lower.

Q's paws tightened on the basket handle.