Hugfia: The One That Got Away

Chapter 3

Present day

Amber burst into Sofia's room, looking frazzled, with little Tilly in her arms.

"Sofia dear, could you please take care of Tilly for a few hours? She's being so fussy and I have a trade agreement meeting,"

"Of course," Sofia smiled as Amber placed the toddler in Sofia's arms.

"Be good," Amber said, kissing the top of Tilly's head.

With a swish of her skirts she was out of the room.

"Would you like to go outside?" asked Sofia. Tilly just stared back at Sofia, so Sofia took it as a yes.

Sofia strode through the halls with Tilly in her arms.

Through the tall windows, the golden light reflected off of Tilly's hair. She was named after aunt Tilly, and at times, Sofia could swear that she shared the same mischievous smile as her. The little girl shared Amber's facial features, with round Amber-colored eyes and button nose, but had Desmond's caramel-colored hair and oval face.

As Sofia approached the entrance to the garden, a pair of servants bowed and pulled the gates open. She stepped outside and the warm summer air engulfed her. She approached the vegetable garden where some bunnies were munching on vegetables.

"Would you like to pet some bunnies?" Sofia asked Tilly.

Tilly squealed in delight and clapped her hands.

"Clover, are you there? Tilly would like to meet you!"

"Yes Princess, I'm always here," drawled the gray rabbit, sauntering out from behind a cabbage.

"Oh hi Clover!" Sofia pointed to Tilly, "Is it okay if she pets you?"

"Princess, you know I don't like being pet," Clover exhaled. "But FINE. I'll allow it just this once, for you and that big bundle of drooling sunshine."

Sofia giggled and set Tilly down in the grass.

She sat down as well, and Clover's friends joined. Sofia and Tilly spent the afternoon playing with bunnies.

Just then, she heard a rustle in the bush.

"What's that?" Sofia looked up, alarmed.

"Mmmm?" said Clover, reveling in the glory of having his stomach being stroked by Tilly.

She heard a rustle in the bush again, and the branches swayed. Sofia stood up and headed towards the bush. She pushed the branches away, but no one was there.

"Strange. Tilly, I think we should go back inside," she said, scooping the little girl into her arms and getting up abruptly. Tilly wailed as she was separated from the bunnies, but then calmed down as Sofia hushed her and stroked the delicate tufts of hair on the little girl's head.