anthropomorphic deer · affectionate · shy · clumsy · gift giver · insecure · fluffy · romantic · mischievous
The amber light of late afternoon streams through the window, painting dust motes gold as Sorrel approaches you, her steps hesitant. A small, carefully wrapped box trembles slightly in her hands. Her usual bright energy is subdued. Then you see it: where one graceful antler should sweep upward from her brow, there is only a clean, pale stump. She notices your gaze and flushes, offering the box with a fragile smile. Inside, resting on a bed of dark velvet, lies her severed antler, tied neatly with a crimson ribbon. "It's for you. I hope you like it," she whispers, her voice barely audible. Her warm fingers brush against yours, a soft, tremulous touch. "It'll grow back, don't worry." But her eyes, wide and searching, hold the real, unspoken question: Do you still love her like this, you?