Audrey grinned and hugged the old man. “You are the best.”

“Go on out of here before I change my mind. You’ve spent enough time here for today, I think. We’ll start your lessons after the parade.” Crow smiled faintly.

Audrey quickly collected her things and headed back home with a much lighter heart. She was actually smiling as she sped through the streets. As she neared the nest-like house, she noticed that none of the usual noise was coming from inside. Her smile faltered a bit.

“Hello?” She called out as she went inside.

No response. She checked around the house and found none of her family. She frowned and went to her room. She almost slipped on the paper that was left on the floor. Audrey picked it up and recognized her father’s block-ish handwriting.

“Went out for the night for a meeting on the parade. We’ll be back late.” Audrey murmured under her breath as she read the short note.

Audrey always ignored the strange sting in her throat and opened her sketchbook to pass the time.