by Melissa Gunn
Freya nodded.
“Of course. And thanks for the warning.” Then, trying to change the serious mood, she picked up the nearest kit. “Can you imagine this little guy as a teenager?”
“I don’t even want to try. They’re cute now, but my brain superimposes that idiot Lachy’s face on him, and I get a bit of a shudder. D’you know what I mean?”
Freya shuddered herself. “I wish I didn’t. I see Tobes. And I don’t want to see that face on anything related to me.”
“Ugh, change the subject, please!”
Freya obligingly complied.
“So, what do you want to do after school finishes?”
“Well, with Karim going off, my family want someone to stay here and take on the business. It’s all I’ve ever known, and that’s pretty comforting, some days. But other days I want to scream with the sameness of it all. It’s been much more fun since you came along. Apart from the last few days, of course,” she added hastily. “Are you sure you want to leave?”
“Yes! There’s nothing to be gained by staying. I can’t bring Tammy back from the sea, and I’m not strong enough, or inclined, to join her there. I suppose these little furballs are my nieces and nephews, but I don’t feel much connection to them right now. Maybe if they were kittens instead of fox kits it would be different. I guess... I just want to find something that I’m good at. Figure out who I am. That sort of thing.” She looked at Aisha uncertainly. “Don’t you ever feel that way?”
Aisha laughed.
“Sure. But not in any way that leaving is going to solve. This is my place; everyone knows me, and I know everyone. But I sure will miss you if you go. Come back and visit if you do leave. Which reminds me, I haven’t told you. Isis is expecting kittens.”
“Oh! I haven’t seen a kitten in years. Not since Mr Fluffbum was small.”
Freya smiled. It was such a novelty and a relief to have a friend. And potentially kittens too. Not that she needed another cat right now. She glanced up at Mr Fluffbum, who was sitting on her battered wooden dresser, well out of reach of were-fox kits. He blinked slowly at her. She blinked back, exchanging love.
“Come see them when they’re born, then. Though goodness knows we have enough cats about the place already,” said Aisha.
“Would Bastet like to hear you say so?” teased Freya, half in earnest.
“Nah, I’d better keep quiet about that. Moving right along...”
“So, who do you think will win the best storm-shelter competition?” Freya assisted the change of subject again.
Aisha smirked.
“Me, because I borrowed a load of Karim’s special potion that he made for the tarp on your roof. No-one is going to beat my shelter for light and strong!”
The two girls grinned at each other. It had been a hard year. But at least Freya now had a friend - no, two friends. Maybe more. After all, Lio had been around a lot this year too. She hadn’t seen him since the last big storm, but her window had been covered with leaves in a pattern again this morning. There had been a note stuck among the leaves. When she’d peeled it off and read it, she’d found herself smiling as she read.
Midnight meeting tonight? Open your door to see what’s in store. We’ll stay away from the waterfront.
Bad poetry or no, I think I will see who’s there at midnight.
THE END
Afterword
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED Freya’s adventures. If so, please leave a review, every one helps! You can read more about Freya in Book 2 of The Weather Gods. Pre-order from your favourite store, or sign up for my newsletter at www.melissagunn.com for updates and a free prequel story in the Weather Gods world.
Acknowledgements
THIS BOOK WOULD NOT have been possible without the help of many people. My family who withstood years of ‘sorry, I’m writing right now, ask me about dinner later’, and my children who listened to the whole thing and offered encouraging remarks and critical analysis. My friend Jen started the whole process when sharing writing prompts on social media during a Nanowrimo season. Thanks to writing mentor Ellie, and Paul and the members of the Auckland Writers Café Novel Writers Club, who provided great support and critique sessions; to Julie D, Laura and Anne for reading the whole novel and being honest & helpful with feedback. Julie F did a wonderful job of copy-editing it (any remaining mistakes are my own). My craft night friends (you know who you are) were great for bouncing ideas around and providing suggestions at key moments. My sisters Claudia and Pipiana were infinitely enthusiastic and my family were encouraging. It’s been fun. Let’s do it again!
Don't miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Melissa Gunn publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.
https://books2read.com/r/B-A-LIIN-ACTLB
Connecting independent readers to independent writers.
About the Author
Melissa Gunn spent several years pursuing a science career before deciding it would be more fun to write fiction – though it turns out that there is even more research involved. She enjoys combining facts that seem fantastical with actual fantasy, and creating quirky characters with a sense of humour. When she’s not trying to figure out how a volcano demigod would problem-solve, she is feeding her backyard menagerie, chasing chickens out of the garden, or taking photographs of whatever will stand still for long enough (so mostly plants).
Read more at Melissa Gunn’s site.