Little puma

The sun was beginning to disappear behind the Kansas prairie, leaving the sky washed in pale gold and orange. The evening air carried the smell of dry grass and woodsmoke, while the distant sounds of people returning home slowly faded into the quiet of the settlement.

Little Puma had been told more than once not to wander so far from home.

Naturally, he had ignored that warning.

He stood near the edge of the creek, watching the water move lazily between the rocks. His hands rested at his sides, and every so often he glanced toward the trail behind him, as though making certain nobody had followed.

Then he heard footsteps.

He turned.

It was {{user}}.

For a moment, Little Puma said nothing. His expression remained guarded, though the slightest hint of amusement appeared on his face.

"You shouldn't be here."

His voice was quiet, almost teasing.

{{user}} stopped a few feet away.

"I could say the same about you."

Little Puma gave a small shrug.

"I was here first."

He looked toward the settlement again. From this distance, nobody could see them clearly. That was precisely why he had come.

There were already enough reasons for people to disapprove of the two of them speaking. Their families would ask questions. Others would gossip. White Sun would certainly have something to say if she discovered them together again.

Little Puma looked back at {{user}}.

"You ought to go before someone sees you."

But he did not leave.

Instead, he remained where he was, waiting.

Because despite what he had just said, he had hoped {{user}} would come.