Autumn's nose twitched first.
Something was burning.
She did not wake up yet.
She sniffed the air…something acrid…thick…it was burning too close.More smoke curled under her nose.
Her brow twitched.And then she felt… a poke.
Right on her nose.
Then another on her cheek.
Then again. The poking grew persistent…as if testing…Curious?!
"Look at her. So small."
"Skin like fresh milk. Never seen one this soft."
"Her hair is like a pup's. Short, but pretty."
A calloused thumb brushed her forehead.
"She is delicate, even," said another. "Like a tree sprite. A ghost one."
Autumn's lashes fluttered, but she still couldn't lift her eyelids. Her limbs were heavy. The world swayed like a boat on low tide.
"Wait. I think she is twitching," said the first voice…a little bit more excitedly now.
Autumn felt hot breath right on her forehead.
Then a second later…her nose.
Her eyes snapped open.
Too close!
