In the past, Astrid was bright. Bubbly. Sociable beyond all reason.
Wherever there was noise, wherever there was laughter, wherever there was activity—Astrid was there, right in the middle of it all, her seven tiny tails wagging with enthusiasm.
And she wanted everyone to join her.
"Mama! Mama! Come play with me!"
Nadia looked up from her diplomatic papers, exhaustion already creeping into her features.
"Astrid, sweetheart, Mama has work to do. Important work that helps people."
"But you've been working for hours!" Astrid tugged at her mother's sleeve. "You need a break! Come on, let's go to the garden! I found a really cool bug!"
Nadia sighed. "Maybe later, my little fox."
"You always say that!"
And off Astrid would run, straight to Fauna's workshop.
"Auntie Fauna! Auntie Fauna! Guess what?!"
Fauna looked up from her research papers, already knowing what was coming.
"What is it, little whirlwind?"
"I found a really cool bug! Come see it with me!"
