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Seeing someone standing out alone in the woods was something to be expected, but so close to his cabin? No one from town was ever brave enough to wander near the Humboldt’s homestead.
What only piqued young Herbert’s curiosity was that the newcomer looked to be around eight, so his age.
“Hello!” The boy waved, his grin pushing his eyes nearly shut.
“Good afternoon,” Herbert said. The boy took this as an invitation to come closer, and Herbert couldn’t help but notice how much shorter he was than the boy.
The boy put out his hand. “I’m Aurelein! I just moved in.”
Herbert shook Aurelein's hand, then stood with his own hands behind his back. “I can tell. You speak like a Frenchman.” He offered a polite smile. “I am called Herbert.”
Aurelein’s eyes went wide. “Woah! How didja know I’m French?!”
Herbert couldn’t stop his smile from returning. He let out a soft laugh at Aurelein’s wonder. “It’s not that hard to tell. Your accent seems to have stuck with you.” His smile faded back to practiced neutrality. “Tell me, why have you wandered so far out? Surely someone warned you of the woods and the family that lives in it.”
Aurelein looked confused. “No? Why, is there something dangerous out here?” he gasped. “Is there a ghost?!”
He doesn’t know? How strange, Herbert thought. “Oh, no, it’s just some old tale they tell. You don’t need to listen to anyone who tells you not to come here.”
“So I can visit you all I want? Awesome!” He paused, then giggled. “You remind me of a fox, y’know? All regal and serious-like.”
Herbert couldn’t stop the smile that grew on his face. “Me? A fox? You flatter me. But you are much more fox-like than me, silly.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes, actually.” Herbert tilted his head, choosing his words in his head. He hadn’t had a friend before, and it seemed like he finally would have one. “You’re so energetic and chipper, it’s a wonder you aren’t often compared to a fox, or at the very least a kit.”
“Wow, really?” Aurelein’s smile grew. “You’re so nice!”
Nice? Herbert had never been called nice before. He sort of liked it.
“Herbert, honey, dinner time!” a voice called from a short ways away.
Herbert sighed. “That is my mother. I must be leaving now.”
“That's okay,” Aurelein said. “See you later, Mr. Herbert!”
“Goodbye, Aurelein.”
Then, with footsteps padding off over pine needles and twigs, the woods returned to its familiar emptiness.