Over the next few days, I enjoyed playing with the rabbit and the crow when he would come by. The rabbit seemed to get a lot more comfortable with me and started showing some attitude. His shows of irritation when I wouldn’t leave him alone made me laugh. Of course I would give him space after teasing him a bit. When the crow would visit, I noticed them getting more comfortable with each other too. 

The crow flew in the open window again today. The rabbit’s ears twitched at the sound of his wings. He began hopping towards the vanity where the crow had landed. I slowly walked over as well, only observing them. The rabbit made some soft oinking sounds. The crow stepped to the edge of the vanity to look down at the rabbit. Then he hopped down next to him. 

The rabbit oinked some more and the crow cawed. Somehow they seemed to be communicating. Was it even possible for them to understand each other? The rabbit hopped around playfully and the crow cawed and followed after him. Their friendship made me beam with happiness. 

“You guys are so cute, let me join in!” When I walked forward with my arms outstretched, both animals made startled noises and ran off in different directions. They didn’t seem to like playing with me though… It almost made me shed a tear… 

I’ve decided to take the rabbit outside to the garden sometimes. He seemed to really enjoy it and I even let him eat some of the flowers but I always ushered him onwards before he ended up destroying a whole patch. I’d rather not get on the gardener’s bad side. He might complain to my uncle then he’ll have a reason to get rid of the rabbit again. Thankfully uncle hasn’t said anything about the rabbit since the dinner with Callum, not like I see him very often anyway. 

As I watched the rabbit hop down the brick pathway, I heard a flapping of wings and the crow landed on my shoulder. He didn’t visit me every day, maybe because he wanted to be careful when we were at the palace, but I always looked forward to when he did come to see me. 

“Hey, should we go see Callum?” I asked. “You liked him, right?” 

The crow twitched his head then cawed. 

“Can I take that as a yes? I was thinking I wanted to get out of the palace. I’ve been stuck in my room and on the grounds as I took care of the rabbit. Let’s pass by my father and then head to Callum’s, alright?” 

The crow cawed again and flew up, circling above me. I smiled and jogged to meet the rabbit who was still hopping forwards. I put my hand in front of him to stop him. 

“Hey, we’re going somewhere else, okay? I’ll pack a small bag and then we’ll head out.” 

The rabbit twitched his nose but didn’t move. I picked him up and headed back to the palace.