Callum’s eyes lit up when the maids brought out steaming buns to the dinner table. He immediately took one and cut it open with a knife and lathered the inside with butter. The expression on his face after the first bite was utter bliss. I couldn’t help cracking a smile. I grabbed a bun of my own and tried it the Callum way. It was delicious. 

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” uncle said, “and for joining us for dinner. Just like old times, hm?” 

“Yes, indeed!” Callum exclaimed. “Please invite me over whenever you can, you know I live alone in that cottage in the woods. It’s nice to talk to humans for once rather than plants and trees!” 

“Maybe I could come visit you sometime?” I asked. 

“Oh that would be lovely! Bring your friends too, won’t you?” 

“Of course!” 

“Speaking of…” uncle began, “how’s that rabbit doing?” 

I faltered. “Well… Um…” How do I tell him I want to keep it when he already said he doesn’t want me to? 

“I just saw that little one,” Callum said, “and I’m afraid a terrible curse has befallen him…” 

My uncle and I gave him a look. What is he up to now? 

“Yes, a terrible curse indeed. His fur has turned such a unique color… He’s lost his natural camouflage! His fur is not brown anymore, but pure white! How could this be? How could such misfortune befall such a small and innocent creature?” Callum looked genuinely sad and downcast. That was until he gave me a secret grin and a wink. 

I caught on and tried to call upon my nonexistent acting skills to match his. “Callum is right… It’s so unfortunate… He might die if he goes back into the forest now… He’s otherwise healthy… We might have to keep him here and continue to take care of him, don’t you think?” I gave my uncle my best pleading eyes. I really hope this lie works… 

My uncle’s smile twitched. Unless it was my eyes playing tricks on me? Then he sighed and shook his head. 

“That is quite terrible news. You’re right, we’ll have to keep the rabbit here so he doesn’t face an ill-timed demise once he goes back to the forest. I’m counting on you to take care of him, he’s your responsibility now.” 

I nodded. “Of course! I’ll take good care of him and even train him so he doesn’t cause trouble.” 

“Very well. Just don’t bring him to meals, yes? We don’t want a repeat of what happened recently.” Uncle’s smile didn’t seem to match the tone of his words. 

“Yes, uncle…” I felt like he wouldn’t let the same mistake slide a second time. 

Once the dinner concluded and Callum set off back home, I hurried to my room with a big smile on my face. I opened the rabbit’s cage and swung him around, probably giving him whiplash. 

“You can stay! Callum’s loophole worked!” 

The rabbit started kicking my arms, not liking my sudden attack on him. I put him down on the floor and he immediately hopped away. I didn’t care though. I was so happy. 

The crow was still around and swooped down onto my shoulder. He blinked at me and his head twitched. 

“I don’t think my uncle wants you to stick around still, but at least I can keep the rabbit in my room!” 

The crow cawed before taking flight and circling my room. Then he landed on my vanity to continue stealing my jewelry right from under my nose. Oh well, all that matters is that I can keep my friends around! As long as I keep them away from uncle…