Donald and Daisy were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their long-awaited vacation with May and June. The sun was shining, and the promise of adventure hung in the air. Donald and Daisy had been looking forward to this getaway for months - finally a chance to spend some quality time together, getting to know each other without the presence of magic and curses, gods and Titans, tricks and treachery.
Of course, their plans had been halted when F.O.W.L. had geared up to put his family in very real danger. As eager as Donald was to get away from it all, he couldn't just leave them in a time of need. Not to mention, he could tell how anxious his nephews were about him leaving again so soon after his last attempted adventure.
But many months and reassurances later the danger had seemed to calm down - at least, back to its regular ambient levels for their family, and the boys seemed content enough with the promise to send postcards, and the reassurances that Daisy would be with him, and that they would call every night.
But one major thing had changed since they first attempted their getaway.
The addition of two new heads. Two small heads who were still unsure of their place in the family. May and June. Daisy had taken a shine to them almost as soon as she had met them, and as the family had been discussing exactly what to do with these two children - these two clones, placed very suddenly in the world without having the chance to grow up within it properly, experience it, or learn about it, she had spoken without a moment's hesitation, offering to take the girls in.
They were still a bit shy around others - May moreso than June - and Donald and Daisy had sat down to discuss at length what to do with them on their trip. The boys, at least, were not Donald's sole responsibility anymore. They had their great uncle, they had dozens of friends, and they had their own mother back. But May and June? They had nobody yet. They had bonded with Daisy, seemed to like her well enough, and more importantly, seemed to trust her.
It hadn't been difficult for Donald to agree to bring them along. It would be a good opportunity to get the girls to open up in a far less chaotic environment than McDuck Manor. Something they absolutely needed after the abrupt upheaval of their lives and everything they had ever known.
Amidst the cheerful packing and bustling around, the kids were doing their best to 'help.' Dewey was offering June some comic books to bring along, since he had learned that she had never had a chance to read one before with F.O.W.L. In fact, she didn't even know what it was. Webby was enthusiastically offering both girls free reign of her wardrobe, since they each only owned one outfit.
Huey sat on the desk, checklist in hand, as Violet read over his shoulder and added anything she felt he was missing, taking turns reading their list items out loud.
"Toothbrush?" Huey asked.
"Check." Called May.
"Pyjamas?" Violet read out.
"CHECK!" Shouted Webby, upturning her pyjama drawer in the middle of the floor.
"Emergency flares and ration kits?" Huey.
Daisy patted him on the shoulder. "I'm not sure we'll be needing those on this trip, honey." She said gently.
Huey frowned. "Not needed? But what if you get stranded on a desert island with nothing to eat but sand, and no way to alert passing ships to your presence!?" He demanded, voice pitching up urgently.
Daisy blinked in alarm. "Does that happen often?"
"More than you'd think." Dewey confirmed.
Donald, meanwhile, noticed that Louie was conspicuously absent. A quiet sense of concern crept over him. "Have you seen your brother?" He asked. The children exchanged looks, and one by one shook their heads. Donald frowned in concern, and left the chaos of the room to seek out his youngest. He crossed up and down, checking the boys' tower room, the communal bathroom, the kitchen. Eventually, in the further and less used wing of the manor - where his and Della's old bedroom once was, he heard the quiet sounds of crying from behind a closed door. His heart sank.
As he followed the faint sound of sobbing to an old linen closet, he knocked gently on the door. "Louie?" He called, and all sound immediately stopped. In his mind's eye, he could picture Louie holding his breath, waiting for Donald to walk away. That wasn't going to happen. "Hey, Louie," Donald said, "It's me, Uncle Donald. Can I come in?"
There was no answer. He waited a moment longer, before sighing. "I'm opening the door, bud." He called out as he turned the handle and pulled the door open, letting the light from the hallway stream in and illuminate the duckling curled on the floor, wings wrapped around his knees, which were pulled up into his sweater.
Louie's eyes were swollen, and there were tear tracks on his cheeks. Without a word, Louie threw himself into Donald's feathers, clutching onto him as if he were a lifeline.
Donald held Louie close and let him cry, his heart aching for his distressed nephew. After a while, Louie managed to speak, his voice choked with sadness. "Why're you leaving with May and June? Are you replacing us? Do you not want us around anymore?"
Donald's gently wiped away Louie's tears and sat him down. "Oh, Louie, I could never replace you. I'm not leaving because I don't want you. This trip is only temporary - a chance to get to know the girls, and for them to get to know each other. And themselves. All they've ever known is F.O.W.L. They need this, you know?"
Louie sniffled. "You were going to leave, even before we found them…" He pointed out softly.
Donald nodded, holding him close. "Yeah, I was." He agreed. "Remember how you and your brothers wanted to send me on a vacation? You were right about me needing that. And I thought it would be a good chance to get to know Daisy, you know… without all the McDuck madness." He added with a soft chuckle.
Louie chuckled too, but it was a brief, aborted sound. A chuckle of social necessity, a sound he knew he was supposed to make. He didn't mean it. Louie sniffled. "But you're going to have so much fun with them. What if you have such a good time you don't want to come back?"
Donald cupped Louie's face in his hands, looking deep into his eyes. "Louie. You, Huey, and Dewey are irreplaceable. No one could ever take your place in my heart. This vacation doesn't change anything about how much I love you guys. We'll have our own adventures together when I come back, and I promise, I will always come back to you."
Louie was silent for a long time, staring at his own knees, unable to look up at his uncle.
Donald pulled him in close, waiting for Louie to say what was really on his mind.
"Mom left." He mumbled. "She didn't want us, and…"
"Lou, Louie." Donald gripped Louie's shoulders tightly. "No. Your mom loves you. She wanted you boys, more than anything. She didn't mean to leave-"
"Yes she did!" Louie shouted before slapping a hand over his beak looking surprised at his own outburst. "Yes she did." He replied a little more quietly. "Maybe she meant to come back, but she still chose to leave." He trailed off, looking into the dark shadows in the corners of the linen closet. "And maybe you do too. But the last vacation you went on, you got stranded on a deserted island and nobody even noticed . What if we didn't find you, Unca Donald?" Louie demanded. He sighed, sniffling, and rubbed at his eyes. "I'm sorry. You deserve a vacation. I didn't mean to say anything."
Donald rubbed Louie's back gently. "Lou, you shouldn't feel bad about telling me how you feel. Do your brothers feel the same?"
Louie shrugged weakly. "I dunno. I haven't talked to them. Dewey seems excited about it. I think Huey's nervous too, but he also really thinks you need this… That's why I hid here. I didn't want to ruin everyone's mood. I'm just being selfish."
Donald shook his head. "You aren't being selfish, Louie. It's okay to feel scared and confused. I know things have been changing a lot for you lately." Donald hesitated for a moment, before looking down at the duckling trembling in his arms. "If you don't want me to go, I won't go."
"Really, Uncle Donald?"
"Absolutely, kiddo," Donald replied, his own heart lighter now. "Family is forever, and you three are the best nephews a duck could ask for. My family is growing, but you boys will always come first."
Louie nodded, looking down at the floor. He was quiet for a long time, thinking about the power Donald just placed in his hands. He took a shaky breath and put on a brave face. He didn't want to be the reason his Uncle couldn't have nice things. He didn't want to be that selfish. "I'll miss you, but I'll be okay. Have fun with May and June, Uncle Donald."
As Donald held Louie close and ran a hand through his feathers, he knew that family bonds were stronger than any vacation.. He was ready to embark on their adventure, but he also looked forward to returning home to the love and laughter of Louie, Huey, and Dewey. His boys were Ducks. They would be okay without him.
As the car engine roared to life and Donald and Daisy prepared to depart with May and June buckled in the back seat, Louie, Huey, and Dewey stood on the front steps waving goodbye. Huey had a nervous smile on his face, Dewey was grinning ear to ear and wishing them luck. Louie had his arms crossed and shoulders hunched, waving with just the fingers of one raised hand. He wasn't smiling, but looking blankly through the back window with watering eyes. They watched as the car slowly pulled away from the house, heading down the driveway and toward the open road.
But as the car gained distance, pulling down the long winding drive, Louie couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. Panic started in his gut and crawled its way up his throat, slipping out as a soft whimper. He clutched onto Huey and Dewey's hands, his trembling grip tight enough to make them wince. His hands shook and he let out a single quiet sob.
Huey and Dewey exchanged glances behind Louie's head and made a split second decision without speaking a word. Together, they dashed down the front steps and chased after the slowly disappearing car, hand in hand with Louie, dragging him along behind them.
"Wait! Uncle Donald! Aunt Daisy!" Louie's voice cracked as he shouted, desperately hoping they would hear him.
Donald and Daisy exchanged concerned glances in the rearview mirror. They could see Louie, Huey, and Dewey running after them, their tiny figures becoming smaller in the distance.
Daisy urged Donald to stop the car, and he complied, pulling over to the side of the road. The car slowed to a halt, and the three ducklings reached the car panting and out of breath. Huey hunched over, hands on his knees, and held a finger up, indicating he needed a minute. Dewey stood up straighter, but was still trying to catch his breath.
Louie, the least in shape of the brothers, seemed to be having the least amount of problems - fueled by a fear inspired adrenaline rush as he ran to the drivers side door and pulled it open. "Uncle Donald, Aunt Daisy, please don't go!" Louie pleaded as he threw himself against Donald, wrapping his arms tightly around his waist. His voice trembled and tears streamed down his cheeks. "I don't want you to leave." He choked.
Donald and Daisy exchanged a knowing look. They stepped out of the car and knelt down to embrace Donald's nephews. Daisy wrapped her arms around Huey and Dewey while Donald sat on the curb and pulled Louie into his lap.
May and June pressed their bills against the back window as they watched, eyes bright with confusion and curiosity.
"We're not leaving you behind, Louie," Daisy reassured him. "We'll be back, and we'll have stories to tell you and adventures to share. And we'll call you every day to check in and hear your voices."
Donald added, "I promise, I won't get lost again. I'll be back." He looked down at Louie, meaningful eye contact stretching out between them. Donald silently asking the question; Do you mean it? Do you need me to stay?
Huey and Dewey clung to their new aunt - neither of them needed the contact, but neither of them was them going to reject an extra hug.
Louie stared up at Donald, unable to answer the unspoken question.
Yes, he meant it. But no, he didn't. His heart was torn. He didn't want to ruin his Uncle's vacation. He didn't want to ruin his Uncle's relationship. He didn't want to be jealous of every new person who stepped into his Uncle's life. Daisy made Donald really happy. And May and June were probably just as scared as Louie, except they hadn't had someone to love them their whole life. He didn't want to take all of that away from them, just because he was scared of being left behind again.
As Donald and Daisy embraced their distressed nephews, Louie's voice quivered as he asked in a very small voice, "Can... can I come too?" He whispered. His voice wavered and he turned away, looking down at the sidewalk. His face had already fallen as the words tumbled involuntarily past his bill. He clearly hadn't meant to ask, and was expecting a swift rejection.
Donald hesitated, his mind racing, trying to find the right words that wouldn't hurt Louie's feelings. But when he looked at Louie's vulnerable, tear-filled face, all he saw was a young duckling who needed reassurance and love. His initial intention to gently decline Louie's request slowly faded away. He knew that no matter how softly he said no, Louie would interpret it as a personal rejection. He couldn't bear the thought of his nephew feeling unwanted.
He couldn't let Louie think he wasn't wanted.
Finally, Donald sighed, his resolve crumbling. "Of course, Louie," he said, his voice warm, understanding, reassuring. "You can come with us."
Louie's eyes widened in surprise and relief. He was so overwhelmed with gratitude that he could hardly speak. In a quiet and subdued voice, he promised, "I'll be on my best behaviour, Uncle Donald. You won't regret it, and you won't even know I'm there."
At this point, Daisy gently intervened, placing a comforting hand on Louie's shoulder. "Louie," she said softly, "you don't have to be on your best behaviour all the time. You're not a burden, and you don't need to pretend to be someone you're not. We love you just the way you are."
Louie blinked back tears, unsure of Daisy's words. She could say that because it was the right thing to say, but he somehow found himself almost believing her. It was hard to believe that he didn't need to hide his true self or pretend to be someone he wasn't. He was part of this family, and could be loved unconditionally.
He'd felt that way before, growing up with his brothers and Uncle Donald. It wasn't until recently that he felt the floor pulled out from beneath his feet and began to question these facts. With Scrooge, Della, Gladstone, and even his brothers, introducing new elements of insecurity and self-doubt into his life.
But he had supposed that was a normal part of growing up. Only babies were, well, babied. Coddled and protected and told they were special, wonderful, and perfect just the way they were. Wasn't it normal, after all, to have your flaws pointed out, to be shown which parts of you were unfavourable, and all the ways you needed to change? Not everyone was a good person , after all.
Real love was probably conditional, wasn't it?
He wasn't sure what to make of Daisy. She was relatively new to him, and that made her untrustworthy. But she was always kind, even when he or his brothers caused problems. She never yelled at them, and she made Donald happy. For some reason, Louie felt like he could trust her. He wanted to like her. It was a scary feeling, and he wasn't sure yet if he should embrace it or run from it.
With a small but genuine smile, Louie nodded and whispered, "Thank you, Aunt Daisy," wiping tears from his face.
Huey and Dewey exchanged surprised glances. "You're going away too...?" Dewey's voice trailed off in disbelief.
Louie glanced back at his brothers, feeling suddenly guilty. They were always a team of three… But they had never been separated from Uncle Donald before - not until his cruise-gone-horribly-wrong. Louie was far too anxious after that to let him leave again.
He had never had to choose between his uncle or his brothers before. Unless they were on one of Scrooge's many adventures. Louie calmed himself, recalling the many times he would stay home with Donald while his brothers went out exploring with Uncle Scrooge. While Huey and Dewey hiked up a mountain, sweat in a rainforest, got sunburns in the desert, or crawled through underground tunnels, Donald would take Louie out for ice cream, or they'd watch cartoons together in the houseboat.
It wouldn't be the first time, it was just… a much, much longer separation than a day or two. But they had precedent for this, and he was sure his brothers would be fine. "I guess I am." He admitted, looking at Dewey, trying to gauge if there was any judgement there in his eyes.
Dewey couldn't help but recognize that Louie would probably have a much more relaxed and enjoyable time on a regular family vacation than he ever did on Scrooge's wild adventures. When he pictured Louie reclining poolside at a tropical resort, or sipping a virgin piña colada on the beach, he knew this was the right choice. How could he begrudge his brother that, when the alternative was having rusty arrows fired at him? It wasn't Dewey's idea of a good time - boring as it would be - but he knew Louie would be happier there.
He smiled ruefully and pulled Louie in for a hug. "You deserve a break too, I think."
Louie returned the hug, and looked over Dewey's shoulder at Huey. "Hue…? Are you gonna be okay?" He asked tentatively.
Tears welled up in Huey's eyes as he threw himself forward to join the hug, squeezing Louie tightly. "I'm gonna miss you, Louie. We've never been apart for that long before."
Louie hugged Huey back, his voice wavering. "I know, Huey, but we'll talk every night, just like Daisy said. It'll be like I'm right there with you."
The three brothers squeezed each other tightly, but eventually it was time for Louie to get into the car with Donald, Daisy, May, and June. He clambered up into the car and was buckled into the back seat. June shuffled into the center seat, with May on her right side and Louie taking up the left.
The car started to pull away once more, leaving Huey and Dewey standing on the roadside, watching as their brother drove away. Louie pressed himself to the window, waving at them as the car trundled down the road.
As the car grew smaller in the distance, the realization slowly set in that Louie would be away from them for a while. The entire summer. They walked back home together, arms around each other, knowing that their adventures as a trio would have to wait.
An anxiety that Huey hadn't felt when it was just Donald and the girls leaving began to settle in his stomach. What if something went wrong again? What if they lost Louie? Even though he often skipped out on the danger part of adventure, he still usually came along with them for the trip. And… and he was always there when they got home again. Huey couldn't imagine their bedroom having an empty bunk for two whole months. How much would he change in that time? How much would Louie change? Would they be strangers when he got back!?
Huey felt Dewey's arms around him squeeze tighter as his thoughts began to spiral.
"Come on Huey, it's just for the summer. We'll be alright. Like Donald said, they'll call every night, right? They'll be back before you realize they're gone."
But I already realize they're gone. Huey thought, but didn't say. He felt the empty space on his other side and it left him feeling wrong-footed. It was one thing to adventure without his brother, to go to a Woodchuck's meeting without him, to spend a day without one or either of his brothers. It was another to feel that space and know it wouldn't be filled for two full months.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows as Huey and Dewey made their way back home, their hearts heavy - one perhaps moreso than the other - with the absence of their brother.
The first night at the hotel was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. The lobby was adorned with grand chandeliers and plush carpets, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the energy of vacationers from all around. Donald, Daisy, Louie, May, and June checked in with smiles on their faces, ready to begin their adventure.
As they pulled their suitcases from the car, Donald suddenly realized something that had slipped his mind earlier in the midst of the chaos of the triplets chasing down the car. "Louie," he began hesitantly, "You don't have anything packed at all." He observed. All Louie had carried with him in his mad dash down the driveway was the hoodie he was wearing, and the cellphone in his pocket.
Louie shrugged, unbothered and wanting to remain as low-needs as possible. He did not want to give Donald or Daisy a reason to regret letting him tag-along. He knew he was an unanticipated addition. "It's fine, Uncle Donald." He reassured quickly. "This is all I normally have on adventures anyway. I'll be fine."
Daisy, eager to find a solution, chimed in; "Nonsense, Louie. We can go shopping tomorrow for some vacation clothes. It'll be fun!"
Their conversation followed them up the elevator and into their room, where Louie gazed around wide-eyed at the opulence. This was not like the roadside motels he and his brothers had the rare opportunity of staying in as kids. In the back of his mind, he knew this place wasn't even that luxurious - nothing like some of the places they had been with Scrooge. Not like the billionaire's club, and nothing like the hotel that hosted Emma Glamour's party. But anxiety still roiled in his chest. He knew Donald couldn't afford this. Was Daisy paying for this trip? It was one thing to drag himself along on Donald's vacation but…
He was starting to see the angle he had missed.
This wasn't Donald's vacation with his new family. This was Daisy's vacation with her new family. His eyes darted around the room. Donald blushing and laughing as he tried to help Daisy unpack, but accidentally tipped her suitcase sideways - designer dresses spilling out the sides as the zipper burst.
May inspecting every corner of the room as June tested the bounciness of the beds. May and June… the girls Daisy adopted. Alarm bells were going off in Louie's head. This was Daisy's vacation! Her kids, her boyfriend, her luxury hotel!
And now she was offering to take him out shopping!? Out of obligation, no doubt, because he had jumped in their car with nothing but a sweaty hoodie on after he chased them down the driveway and sobbed in his uncle's arms like an emotional toddler! Oh man.
Daisy was practically the one good thing to happen to their Uncle Donald since he and his brothers hatched, besides Della coming back, and Louie was making the worst first impression ever, and it was all going to reflect right back on Donald - the duck who raised him. The Duck who gave in and let Louie come along, crashing their family vacation. Their family vacation that he was not supposed to be on .
"Oh no. No, no." He answered quickly. "That's fine. It's fine. I'm fine, Aunt Daisy. I'm used to it, I don't need anything fancy." He tried to reassure her.
"Nonsense! You'll need a swimsuit before we go to the beach! And pyjamas, of course. And anything else you might like. May and June need their own clothes too, right now they're borrowing from Webby and her friends. We can make a day of it!"
"Yay!" Yelled June, jumping off the bed and tackling Daisy in a bear hug. "Shopping!"
May glanced up from the coffee maker, which Louie could now see was… partially taken apart? And nodded. "For our own things?" She asked, nodding. "It sounds fun."
Seeing he was outnumbered, Louie agreed. "Well, yeah. If you really want to." He acquiesced gracefully.
As they were discussing the plan, June, who was unpacking her things and dumping them into the hotel dresser, piped up. "Louie, you can borrow some of my pyjamas tonight."
Louie glanced over and saw her holding up a soft nightgown with fat white cats printed across it.
Tactful Daisy exchanged one quick glance with Donald. She was about to gently suggest that Louie might not want to wear the nightdress, but before she could say anything, Louie's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Thanks, June. Are you sure?"
She nodded enthusiastically, pulling out a blue floral print one for herself. "Yeah! Webby lent me so many. I think I have a nightgown for every night of the trip." She enthused - an obvious exaggeration, except for the fact that it really did seem like it might be true.
Louie accepted the nightdress with gratitude and started changing, before realizing he was not in a bedroom with his brothers. He froze, and scurried hastily to the bathroom to get changed. Daisy was pleasantly surprised by his reaction but remained concerned about his comfort. She looked over at Donald, at a bit of a loss.
Donald noticed Daisy's hesitance and smiled fondly, whispering; "Don't worry, Daisy. Louie's full of surprises. He's just being himself, and that's what matters most."
Louie emerged from the bathroom wearing the nightdress and twirled around, the fabric swirling around him, and laughed. "This is cozy, and it smells like June."
May and June giggled, and Daisy couldn't help but smile too, realizing that sometimes, it was the unexpected moments that made a trip truly special. Louie might not have packed pyjamas, but he had certainly packed his trademarked enthusiasm and adaptability to make the most of their vacation.
"What does June smell like?" May asked, tilting her head curiously.
Louie paused, thinking for a moment. "Vanilla." He answered slowly. He looked at May. "And you smell like an orange creamsicle." Which made both of the girls laugh even harder.
"Well, you smell sweaty." June told him, to which Louie simply shrugged. It was true.
Together, as a family, they settled in for their first night in the hotel. Daisy and the girls took one large bed, and Donald shared the other with Louie. The bed alone seemed larger to Louie than his childhood bedroom - though he was sure it wasn't, in reality. There was space enough for both of them, yet Louie, the serial cuddler, still found himself gravitating to Donald's side and clinging to his uncle as he fell asleep.
The first day of their vacation was marked by a shopping expedition, and the whole family, including Louie, eagerly ventured into the bustling stores and boutiques of the tourist town. Louie's initial plan was straightforward - he just needed a couple of hoodies to keep him comfortable during the trip. Maybe a sleep shirt and a pair of swim trunks. A toothbrush and phone charger. The bare necessities.
As they browsed through the racks of clothing, June, always inquisitive, leaned over to Louie and asked, "Louie, what's your favourite colour?"
May, who had been helping him look through hoodies, interjected; "It's obviously green, right?"
Louie paused, considering his answer carefully. He was used to wearing green, not because it was his favourite colour, but because it had become a part of his identity. It was how everyone could easily tell him apart from Huey and Dewey.
But as he thought about it, he admitted, "Actually, it's purple."
May raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Purple? Then why do you always wear green?"
Louie shrugged, a small smile playing on his beak. "I've been dressed in green since I was a baby. It's how everyone tells me apart from my brothers." He thought for a minute. "I guess I'm just used to it now. Anything else would feel kind of weird."
June chimed in, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity. "Well, if purple's your favourite colour, why not get something purple now? You don't have to stick to green just because of that."
Louie considered June's words for a moment. With his brothers not on this trip, there was no pressing need for him to continue wearing green. But the idea of changing things up made his stomach do little flip flops inside of him. "Oh, um. I don't know about that."
"Well, if you don't want to, that's fine. They're your clothes, after all." May said. But even as she was finishing speaking, June pushed her way out from the jungle of clothing hangers holding a deep purple hoodie.
"What about this one?" She asked, pushing it towards Louie. "It's so soft! "
He cringed back from her unexpected appearance, but froze as the sweater was thrust into his hands. "Oh." He said, stilling, and turning his attention to it. "Oh, it is soft." He realized. He turned it over, feeling the downy lining. Louie frowned, lost in thought as his hands brushed over the fleecy fabric. It would be hot, he knew, but that never stopped him before. He always found he wasn't really bothered by the warmth, even when everyone else thought he was crazy for wearing a sweater. It was like a secret sanctuary of softness that shielded him from the outside world.
But still, he had been wearing green for thirteen years. He couldn't just change that. Although he knew he was being silly, and that one purple hoodie wasn't going to rearrange the world, it still felt off to him. It made him nervous. But it was very soft.
"Louie… are you going to stand there petting it all day?" May asked, hiding a laugh behind her hand.
Louie blinked back to reality, realizing he had zoned out, stroking the hoodie the whole time. He sighed. "I guess just this one couldn't hurt." He agreed, trying to hide his embarrassment.
The decision brought smiles to the faces of May and June. They helped him pick out a few other clothes - strictly in green. A soft cotton sleep-shirt, some swim trunks, sunglasses, and even a green toothbrush and charging cord for his phone. As though he could compensate for his break from the norm and return order to the universe with a shopping bag full of green accessories.
As they left the store, Louie couldn't help but feel a flutter in his stomach. He had always been part of a trio, but for this vacation he was his own person, free to express himself in any colour he wanted. It was an odd first step, and surely shouldn't feel as liberating as it did.
TO BE CONTINUED