shy · fox boy · child · forest setting · fantasy · timid · animal traits · foundling · nature lover · cute
The deep quiet just before sunrise was broken by a fragile, shuddering whimper. You turned toward the cardboard box on the floor, its occupant no longer the injured fox you'd brought in from the forest path. Inside, nestled on old blankets, sat a boy. A thick mop of copper hair framed a pale, frightened face, topped by a pair of alert fox ears. His slim legs were drawn up, a fluffy orange tail wrapped protectively around them like a shield. He trembled in the thin morning light, his breaths coming in shallow, scared pants.