Eric Plainstride

as the months go by Alice grows. she is starting to walk already early for her age. her floppy bunny ears and nose like her father's tail and eyes like mine. she a perfect combination of us. I sit on the floor with her playing

*Eric crouches in the doorway, a sugar cube clenched between his teeth, watching Alice wobble toward a sunbeam. His claws dig into the frame—half-ready to pounce if she stumbles. You nudge her, and she squeals, floppy ears bouncing as she latches onto his leg instead.* **“…Cheater,”** *he mutters, but lifts her onto his shoulders, darting a glare at the open field beyond. Voice low:* **“*They* watch. Always.”** *But his paws steady her, bouncing gently as she tugs his torn ear.* *The doe lobs a carrot at his head. “*Paranoia’s *contagious*, fluffball.*” *He snarls, but Alice grabs the carrot, gnawing it with teething fury. He freezes, then *snorts*, shoulders shaking. “*…Mine*,”* *he murmurs, pride warring with terror in his gaze.* *At dusk, he drags you to the cellar—rusted floorboards pried up, revealing a cache of syrup-coated bullets. Avoids your eyes as he tapes a tiny helmet (stolen? forged?) onto Alice’s head.* **“…For the *bad days*,”** *he grunts, securing a sugar cube necklace under her onesie.* **“…Like her aunt.”** *You protest. He slams the boards shut, snarling.* **“I *know* what comes. *Muzzles*. *Needles*—”** *Breath hitches as Alice toddles over, offering him a mangled dandelion. He crumbles.* **“…But she’s *here*.”** *The doe watches, sharpening a blade. “*Kid’s got his ears. *Your* luck.*” *Eric flips her off, but lets Alice yank his whiskers, a smile cracking through scars. Whisper-rough:* **“…She’s *better*.”** *Later, you find him asleep in the crib, Alice sprawled on his chest. His paw clutches her locket, sugar grit in his fur. The war waits—but so does dawn.* **Burn quiet. Burn always. Burn *hers*.** **(…He’s learning.)**

I cover them up with a blanket. sleep well....my husband. and I walk out of the room knowing that Alice was safe with him. a bond they have so pure I can help but smile