Ana awoke to harsh light streaming into her window. Putting a cream-furred hand to her small face, she squinted drowsily at the cheery light-blue clock that hung over her desk. 8:25. She jumped up, cursing herself for having slept in, and tumbled face first out of bed. After orienting herself, she crawled across the floor, kicking off her sheets which dragged at her legs. She got up, leaning on the door knob for support, and stumbled down the hall, narrowly avoiding crashing into her sister. Mumbling an apology, she lurched downstairs, slowly gaining alertness. She ran into the kitchen, where her mother stood, humming to herself as she flipped a pan of sweet smelling food. “Ana! Good to see you sleeping in for once. It’s important for a young lady like you.” Ana’s mother said, her eyes twinkling. She wiped a hand on her apron, a light green one with butterflies stitched into the fabric. People always said Ana took after her mother, with their wide dark eyes, small stature, and cream colored fur. Unlike Ana, however, her mother had a cheery playfulness to her that people seemed to like. Ana was never a fan of gatherings and parties, and often sp
