The next day dawned gently, with the first rays of sunlight just beginning to stretch across the land. Sushi, dressed in her best yellow dress and holding a basket of fresh herbs, made her way to the neighboring farm. Oyster, as usual, was busy with his cattle, his broad shoulders turned toward her as he tended to a large brown cow with a crooked horn.
Sushi approached with a soft smile, her heart fluttering with every step. She tried to catch his attention, waving and calling out, "Oyster! Good morning! I brought you some fresh rosemary!"
But Oyster, lost in his routine, barely turned his head. He gave a quick nod and a gruff, "Thank you, Sushi," before resuming his work, mumbling something to his cows as he patted their heads. Every word he said seemed reserved for them, leaving her standing in silence, her smile fading.
After a few more attempts to make small talk, she sighed, her shoulders drooping. Without another word, she turned and began walking back to her own farm, her heart heavy. Watching from a distance, Lone, Shadow, and the chicks observed the scene quietly, catching the sadness in her eyes as she shuffled away.
As Sushi passed through the gate and walked toward the house, Lone sighed, shaking her head. "Poor Sushi. She's got her heart set on that man. If only he'd take notice."
The chicks chirped in agreement, their soft clucking filled with disappointment as they watched Sushi's figure retreat. "She deserves better," Helene said, their sad voices trembling with concern.
Shadow's ears lowered as he watched, his gaze following Sushi until she disappeared into the house. "Oyster just doesn't see what he's got right in front of him," he muttered, a flicker of determination sparking in his eyes. After a brief pause, he looked at Lone and the chicks. "I'll be back. She shouldn't be alone right now."
With that, Shadow dashed off toward the farmhouse, his paws skimming the soft earth as he slipped through the front door and into the quiet hallway. Sushi's scent lingered in the air, a faint trace of lavender and flour that guided him toward her room.
He found her sitting in her favorite reclining chair, her head bowed, and her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her usually bright eyes were clouded, and her lips were set in a small, sad line. She didn't even notice him enter until he softly padded up beside her, nudging her hand with his nose.
"Don't be sad, Sushi," he murmured, his voice filled with a gentle warmth. "You're too good for that."
To his shock, Sushi blinked and looked down at him with a tender smile. "Shadow… Oh, I didn't mean for you to see me like this."
Shadow's ears perked, his eyes widening. "You… you can understand me?" he asked, stunned.
Sushi chuckled, reaching down to ruffle the fur between his ears. "Yes, Shadow. I've always been able to hear you all." She sighed, a faraway look in her eyes. "I never told anyone because, well, it might seem strange. I'm already seen as a bit of an oddball."
She rubbed his fur slowly, thoughtfully, her fingers grazing down his back as she continued, "You know, I wasn't always so lucky to be here, living on this farm with Lone and all of you." She hesitated, her eyes growing soft with a bittersweet gleam. "I was an orphan, tossed aside by my family because I wasn't perfect enough for them. It was a long time ago, but I'll never forget how it felt to be left alone, unwanted."
Shadow tilted his head, feeling a pang of sympathy as he listened to her story. "Sushi, I… I didn't know. I thought you'd always been happy here."
She gave him a small, sad smile, gently scratching behind his ears. "I wasn't happy until I came here. I thought that being alone was all there was for me. I never could keep friends, and no man ever wanted to marry me. So, I decided to build a life on my own." She paused, her gaze drifting out the window, where she could see Lone sitting in the sunshine, surrounded by the curious chicks. "When I found Lone, I saw a bit of myself in her—lonely, a little lost. And we made this place together, just the two of us… until you all came along."
Her hand returned to his fur, brushing over his coat with gentle affection. "It's silly, I know, but hearing you talk to Lone and those chicks last night made me realize something. You and I… we're not so different. I heard what you said about your parents, how they only cared about your looks and that beautiful tail of yours."
Shadow lowered his head, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I… I guess I always thought that was all I had. A fox's worth is his looks, right?"
"No, Shadow," she said softly, her hand lifting his chin so he looked into her warm, kind eyes. "Your worth is in your kindness, in the way you've brought so much joy and laughter here. You're a good fox, and I'm lucky to have you around."
Without warning, she lifted him, cradling him against her chest, and kissed him softly on his nose. The warmth of her affection wrapped around him, filling his heart with a happiness he hadn't felt in years. He blinked up at her, his eyes sparkling, and licked her cheek in return, his little tongue brushing over her skin and making her laugh.
Sushi laughed, holding him close. "Oh, Shadow! Thank you for being here. You're the best friend a girl could ask for."
As she set him down, he looked up at her, his heart full of gratitude. "You know, Sushi… you can keep my tail for your coat if you ever want. I… I wouldn't mind. I'd still be here to protect you."
Sushi chuckled, wiping a tear from her eye as she shook her head. "Oh, Shadow, I don't need that tail to know you'd take care of me. Besides, you're still just as handsome without it."
A deep warmth filled Shadow's chest as he gazed up at her, feeling truly seen and appreciated. "Thank you, Sushi. For everything." His voice was barely a whisper, but the sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable.
She smiled, patting him gently. "Now go on, get back to Lone and those rascally chicks. I'll be here if you need me. I think I'll take a rest for a bit."
Shadow nodded, glancing back as he left her room, his heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. As he trotted back toward the yard, he caught sight of Lone, watching from the porch, her gaze softened by something he couldn't quite place.
And for the first time in his life, Shadow felt that he was home.