<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Christopher ran his brush over the horse's back. He breathed in deeply, then sighed. There was the patter of feet behind him. A sharp gasp and then exclamation. A girl, who seemed about eight, ran to his side and tugged on his sleeve, asking, "Theo?" He turned and looked down, surprised. "Hi there," he crouched down to look her in the eyes. "I'm not Theo, but is there anything I can help you with?" The little girl made a face. "You're not Theo," she repeated, "that's disappointing." "Tara!" the exclamation came from the stable entrance. Another girl was standing in the opening. She marched over to her cousin. "That was very rude." "I don't mind," he said, straightening. "Well, don't tell her that," said the older girl. She looked at him with curiosity, "are you new here? I don't think I've seen you before." "Yeah, I came here about a month ago." He said. "Oh," he quickly set his brush down and held out his hand. "I'm Christopher." "Nia," the girl shook it. "And this is my cousin, Tara," she gestured to the younger girl. Tara made a face and tugged on a strand of hair. "I think she thought you were my brother." He smiled. "I see." Nia smiled back. "Need help?" she asked, gesturing the horse. "Oh, no, I'm good. Thanks." <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Tara bounced back into the stables, her best friend, Conan, in tow. "Christopher!" she squealed when she saw him. He jumped up off the stool he had been sitting on. "Oh, Tara," he took a few calming breaths as he picked up his book, "You startled me. What do you need?" "Nothing," the little girl shrugged. Conan made a face at her, "right . . ." He opened his mouth as if to say something and then changed his mind. After a moment the boy stuck out his hand to Christopher, "I'm Conan," he introduced himself. "Christopher. Nice to meet you," he shook it. He then eyed Tara suspiciously. "You sure?" Tara bit her lip. "Just tell him," Conan sighed. "Okay - fine," Tara glared at Conan. "there's a cabin in the woods and we want you to come, since we got locked in there last time," Tara explained in a rush. "She's scared," Conan explained. "Am not!" Tara scowled. "But last time, we got locked in . . . but I think the guards might have missed something when they searched it." Christopher blinked a few times, processing the rush of information. "You want me to come with you to the cabin?" "Yes." Conan confirmed. "Unless you're scared too." "I'm not." "Then you'll come with us?" Tara asked hopefully. He nods. "I will." Tara jumped up and down in excitement. "Come on!" She rushed out of the stable and out into the open air. Conan looked at Christopher and shrugged. "Guess we're going then." "I guess so." He followed Tara outside. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Written by me and @Dunedain3220 Next ~ https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1011456126
