FIRST TIMERS' KISS

irped in the morning light, and in the distance, a donkey brayed. Inside a small stone house, Ethan Nigh

s it because of food? Or maybe something else is p

lked in, holding a pile of papers. "

, his eyes bright. "Wha

foxes by the river. They're moving their dens closer

rough them. "Good work! This explains a

nd Odessa stepped in. She was wiping her hands on h

rget to give Henny his medicine toda

forget, Mum. I'll take

iling softly before hea

wo days, I need you to go to the Wonderwood Zoo. They've got rare animals there, and we need to k

Wonderwood Zoo? Really? I'v

re studying. You're good at this, Eugene, and I

s mind already racing wit

ip to the Wonderwood Zoo, a loud crash c

?" Ethan asked

"It's Henny! He knocked over the cart again.

back into the room, looking pale and worried. "It's not just

ed. "Collapsed? I'll c

Henny, the family's old donkey, was lying on his side, breathing

"He doesn't look good. I gave him his medic

yes scanning the donkey. "This isn't n

ssa gasped, cov

. "How could that happen? He's

here." He paused and looked at Eugene. "Forget the trip to the zoo for now. We need to fi

ined. "I'll do whatev

eling creeping over him. Why would anyone poison their donkey? An

d. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Wait!

surprised glance. "What are y

y got sick last year," Eugene said quickly. "Remember? It

bbed the small sack of dried herbs and rushed back. Kneeling beside He

Eugene murmured. "

ears twitched, and he let out a soft bray.

essa cried, her v

s, and after a moment, he gave a lo

der. "You did it, son! That was q

Eugene. You're a natural. No wonder your sister E

together. "Emma's just trying to make me do more work for h

house. "Smart and humble. You're

bring that same thinking to the Wonderwo

surge of confidence. "I'll m

f pink and gold bobbed in the gentle evening breeze, and tables were piled high with delicious food. A massive banner that read "Happy 18th

silver embroidery. Her long, dark hair was styled in loose curls, and a silver tiara sparkled on her he

ht," her mother, Cecilia, said with a w

princess," Dayton, he

d, hugging them both. "But you're sp

replied. "You only

le Zoe, only seven years old, tugged at Lilian's dress. "L

burst into laughter. "You? A que

ks. "Hey! At least I d

where he was leaning against the wall. "Zoe's got

smiling so much. "Okay, okay, let's not start a family

ed, twirling aro

ed through the crowd with trays of drinks, and the air buzzed with energy. But j

, and everyone turne

t?" Dayton as

rushed inside, looking panicked. "T

ripped Dayton's arm. "Who would

he looked at her father.

. "Stay inside, all of

he glanced at Marvin, who gave her a knowing look

from the garden, swirling through the air like a mysteriou

g on?!" some

across the room. Lilian's siblings huddled close

called out, trying t

voice boomed through the smoke. "No

na, Lilian's grandmother. She stepped forward, holding a cane in one hand and a me

his hands flying to his head.

ter's 18th birthday unforgettable, of course!" She tossed the megaph

ran to Dana, throwing her arms around her.

Lilian? I always bring the fun! Look at you; so grown

s head in disbelief. "Mother,

at sound was fake; one of my brave friends brough

"Well, Dana, you and your friends cer

r friends, one by one, ste

hugging each

e ever!" Lilian said, her

, her face serious. "Grandma, what

ightly. "Of course, my little queen. You're too sw

to Dana's arms. "Thanks,

mile. "Now, my dear Lilian, my friends and I didn't just

yes on Dana. Lilian's heart

see soon enough. But trust me, i

ed closer, their faces full of wonder. The mystery hung in t