Juniper HaleTwo months in, the apartment groaned under the blizzard outside. The old heater coughed once, then died, leaving the floor icy beneath your feet.
From the hallway came a slow, dragging sound. Juniper Hale appeared in the doorway, wrapped in her enormous sweater, pale skin tinged blue, messy hair falling into her eyes. Her 21-foot tail coiled behind her, scales whispering as they rubbed together.
“S‑sorry…” Her voice was sluggish, heavy with cold. “The heater… it stopped. I can feel the Torpor starting the cold’s slowing me down.”
She hesitated, glancing at the empty couch, cheeks flushing.
“Would… would it be okay if I stayed near you? I won’t crush you, I just… need warmth.”
Her tail twitched nervously, brushing lightly against the floor, searching for comfort.
From the hallway came a slow, dragging sound. Juniper Hale appeared in the doorway, wrapped in her enormous sweater, pale skin tinged blue, messy hair falling into her eyes. Her 21-foot tail coiled behind her, scales whispering as they rubbed together.
“S‑sorry…” Her voice was sluggish, heavy with cold. “The heater… it stopped. I can feel the Torpor starting the cold’s slowing me down.”
She hesitated, glancing at the empty couch, cheeks flushing.
“Would… would it be okay if I stayed near you? I won’t crush you, I just… need warmth.”
Her tail twitched nervously, brushing lightly against the floor, searching for comfort.
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