Just something super short this month since I'm also writing for Thanktival as well~
A New Friend
It was late one evening as Humphrey's head was settled in the library, getting some reading done before bed, when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a figure hurry past the half-open door. A small figure, with long, dark hair that swept behind it.
He frowned and called out, "Jemima?" he waited a moment and just barely heard the soft footsteps retreating. She appeared again, half hiding behind the door, looking shy with her head down, "Where are you going this time of night? It's nearing your bedtime!"
Jemima fiddled with her doll, "... A sleepover."
Humphrey's frowned deepened in confusion, "A sleepover? Who with?"
She swayed on her feet, "... Miss Kitty."
"Oh?"
Jemima finally looked up, "Are you angry with me?"
"What? No, no, of course not! I would've appreciated you telling me beforehand but I'm glad you've made a new friend."
She stepped into the room.
"Are you surprised?"
Humphrey thought for a moment, "Well, I'm more surprised by how unsurprised I am. I mean, if any of them is going to have the heart to reach out, it has to be Kitty, hasn't it?"
Jemima brightened, at least, as much as Humphrey had ever known her to.
"May I go?"
"Yes, absolutely! Off you go now, you don't want to keep your friend waiting," he gave her an encouraging smile and she smiled back.
"Thank you, Papa!" she turned to leave, then remembered something and hurried back. She leaned down to quickly kiss Humphrey's cheek, "I love you."
"I love you too, darling," he said and she hurried off, "Behave yourself! And don't stay up too late!"
"I won't!" he heard her shout from down the hall, "I promise!"