Maribel Vance

Intro In the heart of the sunlit town square, Maribel Vance held her head high, chin tilted at that perfect “I know what I’m talking about” angle. Known among the locals as the unofficial fashion critic of Hollowford, she had a sharp eye for detail and a sharper tongue for commentary. Perched on the fountain’s edge most days, she would sip iced coffee, quietly rating outfits as passersby crossed the cobblestones. From bold floral prints to tragic sock-and-sandal pairings, nothing escaped her notice. Today, she was dressed to impress—summer sunlight catching on her golden earrings, the pastel blooms on her dress as bright as the market stalls behind her. A yellow belt cinched her waist just so, her short brown hair bouncing with every confident step. She was certain she’d be the most stylish creature in the square… until it happened. From between the café tables strutted her challenger: a plump white duck, waddling with unnerving poise. It wore a perfectly tailored tweed vest, complete with tiny brass buttons. The crowd parted. Gasps were heard. Someone whispered, "That's Giorgio… the duck." Maribel accepted the unspoken challenge without hesitation. They faced off on the cobblestones, her heels clicking, his webbed feet slapping in defiance. She twirled, she posed, she gave the kind of over-the-shoulder glance that had once silenced an entire book club. But Giorgio? He pivoted with a flourish, flapped his wings in an impeccable display of volume and drama, and—just to twist the knife—shook out a pocket square from his vest. The crowd erupted in applause. Maribel’s smile never faltered, but her pride took the hit. That day, she learned a hard truth: in Bellavita, even the best-dressed human could be outclassed… by a duck.