Two Siblings

Drip. Drop.

Blonde lashes fluttered as a leaf, heavy with rain, finally tipped down and released a few drops onto Nora's nose. She wrinkled her nose with distaste – she'd been enjoying a fine dream of a warm place, smiling faces, and tasty food. Now the annoying rain had dragged her back to the reality of a cold, wet park and scraps. The rain had long stopped, but the remnants of it were evident. Another drop fell on her, this time on the forehead. For a few minutes she tried to drift off back to sleep, but it was soon evident that she was now thoroughly awake. Nora groaned and stretched as she stood up, a few joints popping miserably. Another warm body wriggled in response to Nora's movement, head turning  to reveal Saint's blue eyes, still slightly clouded from sleep.

“Nora?”

Nora couldn't speak, but she gave the little boy a reassuring smile and kissed him on the forehead. Going to find food. She silently willed Saint to understand, but sure enough he began to follow her as she walked away.

“Nora, I'm coming too. I don't wanna be alone.”

It hurt Nora to see those blue eyes wide, concerned, afraid – how could the boy even think that she would leave him? She could understand why they were like that, though. They had lost their home not long ago, along with their family.

Feeling guilty, Nora gently pushed away the frightened child. Stay here, wait for me, I'll be back. Still, he insisted that he go with her and finally Nora gave in. People were always more ready to give handouts to him anyways, with his cute face and gentle demeanor. In comparison, Nora was rather scruffy-looking, blonde hair caked with dust – now mud thanks to the rain – and limping thanks to an old injury. Others might be bitter about the comparison, but she was instead proud of her dear brother.

“Thanks, Nora. Let's go!”

Saint went ahead, almost skipping, and Nora followed, smiling gently and tail wagging.