Bramble pressed his paws against the bedroom window. Outside, a fox and a rabbit spun in circles on the green grass.
He shuffled backward until his shoulders bumped the doorframe. His ears drooped low over his eyes.
Bramble tiptoed to the toy box and lifted the lid. Inside, a porcelain doll with a painted smile stared up at him.
He held her out like a question, then tucked her close. Her tiny dress brushed his fur.
Bramble closed his eyes and began to twirl — once, twice, three times. The doll was light as a feather in his grip.
A happy sound bubbled out of him. The shyness that sat on his shoulders all afternoon floated away.
He spun faster, the doll's ribbon catching the sunlight. When he finally opened his eyes, he was laughing — loud and bright.
Outside the window, the fox and rabbit stopped dancing. They turned their heads toward the sound.