Splash!
Steam curled from the washroom, clinging to the cream-colored fur on Bloom’s arms as she finished rinsing. She let out a long, shuddering exhale, the tension of the morning already settling in her shoulders. The mirror was a clouded grey, obscured by the warmth of the room. With a quick swipe, she cleared a patch, revealing her own reflection—steel-blue eyes and messy, red hair that seemed to defy the humidity. Twenty-four years old, and still looking for a place to truly land.
After drying off, she pulled on a simple pink and white corset dress, the fabric stiff against her skin—her armor for the day's trade.
She reached for her perfume on the dresser, but her paw stalled. A small collection of photographs leaned against the wood. Her gaze drifted to the oldest one: Bella, vibrant and laughing, clutching a newborn Clover, with Spaden hovering protectively in the background. It had been snapped mere moments after the birth, capturing a joy that felt like a lifetime ago.
Bloom smiled gently, holding back tears as she returned the picture to its spot.
She then looked at another photo taken two years later. This one included Bloom, a two-year-old Clover, and Spaden holding his second newborn, Leafa.
Bella was absent from the image.
She had passed away shortly after bringing Leafa into the world.
Bloom made her way down the wooden staircase, her light footsteps creaking slightly against the steps before she crept quietly into the warm ambience of the dining room.
Sitting at the wooden dining table was Spaden. He was Bella’s widowed husband and Bloom’s brother-in-law, a strikingly tall and handsome tomcat. His sleek white fur was immaculate, offset by a distinctive, long black mustache resting right beneath his pink nose. Despite spending his days doing grueling home construction and physical labor, he possessed a remarkably lean, skinny frame.
Spaden hadn’t noticed her at first, his focus locked on the newspaper spread across the table. When he finally looked up, his expression softened, though the weariness remained in his eyes.
“Morning, Bloom. You’re up early.”
Bloom crossed to the table, her gaze snagging on the front page of the paper—a grim portrait of a man named Darken. “Still the same bleak news?”
Spaden set his coffee down with a heavy sigh. “It’s crawling closer to the border, Bloom. The Flowerfly Kingdom is meant to be a place of peace, not a battlefield. This war… it's swallowing everything.”
Bloom poured herself a cup, the ceramic clinking softly against the saucer. “I know.”
“Bloom, I’d be more at ease if you just stay here in the village, where it’s safe.”
Bloom set her mug down with a firm thud. “We’ve been over this. I won’t let this conflict stop me from earning my keep.”
Spaden leaned back, crossing his arms. “You don't need to work. I promised Bella I would take care of this family—you included.”
The mention of her sister hit a nerve. Bloom stood, her paws pressing into the wood. “And I’m not a child you need to shelter, nor am I a debt you owe to Bella. I’m a merchant. If I stay home, I’m just waiting for the world to fall apart.”
Spaden didn't flare up in return. He simply watched her, his anger deflating into a look of quiet resignation. He recognized the stubborn set of her jaw—it was the same look Bella used to give him.
“I suppose I’m just on edge,” he admitted, his voice dropping. “The capital is sending knights elsewhere, but we’re on our own out here. If things escalate…the mayor is looking into the Explorer’s Guild. It’s getting real, Bloom.”
Bloom softened. She looked at her mug, the coffee swirling dark and still. She knew he was scared, not just for her, but for the girls.
Spaden reached across, patting her hand gently. The change in tone caught her off guard. “Sometimes I forget you aren't just my little sister-in-law anymore. You’ve grown into a strong, beautiful mollycat.”
Bloom flushed, a sudden heat rising to her cheeks. She pulled her hand back, though not unkindly. “Spaden… you’re making it hard to finish my coffee.”
He chuckled, a dry, low sound. “I mean it. Any man would be lucky to have you. Just… try to be careful. Be back by supper, alright?”
Once breakfast was over, Bloom returned to her room to grab a cloak against the chilly weather, then made her way down the hallway toward the stairs.
Without warning, a soft pair of arms wrapped snugly around her waist. Blinking in surprise, Bloom peered down to find a small youngling pressing her face directly into her creamy fur.
“Good morning, Leafa!” Bloom greeted.
The little white mollycat looked up, beaming at her with an adorable smile. “Morning, Auntie Bloom! Are you leaving already?”
“Mm-hmm, I have to get to the shop early,” Bloom replied, her voice softening.
Leafa stood with her paws clasped behind her back, mimicking the posture of a little adult. “Okay. But... you'll be back for supper, right?”
Bloom chuckled. “Of course.” Her smile faded slightly as she realized the house felt too empty. “Where’s your sister, Leafa?”
Leafa’s lime-green ears flicked, and she instantly looked at the floor, tugging at the lace of her pinafore. “Um… she followed Fievel. Toward the village entrance.” She bit her lip, looking up with genuine worry. “Please don't tell her I told you. She made me promise.”
Bloom patted the youngling’s shoulder gently. “Don’t worry, sweetie,” she said softly. “Thanks for telling me. Why don't you wait in front of the house for me? This won’t take long.”
Bloom marched through the village, her jaw set in a firm line. It wasn't hard to spot Clover; the youngling’s coat was a tapestry of distinct, geometric markings that stood out against the earthy village backdrop.
Clover was engaged in a heated debate with Taffis, the village’s hunting leader. Fievel, his son, stood nearby, looking more amused than anything.
"Just let me prove it, Taffis! I’m faster than Fievel, and I know these woods better than anyone my age," Clover was saying, her arms waving in an earnest, frustrated arc.
Taffis sighed, crossing his massive arms. "Clover, it isn't about speed. It’s about experience—and permission. Does your father know you're badgering me again?"
"He’s just—" Clover started to pout, but stopped abruptly as she felt two firm, steadying hands land on her shoulders. She stiffened, slowly tilting her head back to meet Bloom’s gaze.
Bloom offered the hunting party a polite, if strained, nod. "My deepest apologies, Taffis. I believe Clover has overstayed her welcome here."
Clover shrank a few inches. "Auntie Bloom, wait! I just wanted to—"
"Enough, Clover," Bloom said, her voice gentle but final. She turned back to the group. "Thank you for your patience."
As they walked away, the distance between them and the hunting party growing, Bloom’s grip on Clover’s paw remained firm. Once they were out of earshot, she turned to face her niece, crouching down so they were eye-level.
"Clover, look at me," Bloom said, softening her tone. "I know you feel trapped. I know you want to help, especially with everything happening with the war. But your father isn't saying no to be mean. He’s saying it because he loves you, and he needs you here, keeping our home a sanctuary.”
Clover looked down at the dirt path, scuffing her toe against a rock. "It's just… it gets so quiet here. Everyone is so scared, and I’m just supposed to sit inside and look pretty? I want to do something that matters."
Bloom reached out, cupping Clover’s face, her thumbs brushing over the diamond markings on the bridge of her nose. "You think being a child is 'doing nothing'? Clover, your presence is what keeps our family going. You are the light in this house. That is more important than any hunt."
Clover leaned into the touch, her shoulders finally dropping. A moment of silence passed, the tension dissipating into the warm afternoon air.
Suddenly, Clover looked up, her eyes wide and mischievous. "So... if I'm such a big help, when are you going to get a husband? It’s not fair that you’re doing all the 'grown-up' work while single!"
Bloom nearly stumbled. The color drained from her face, only to be replaced by a bright, frantic flush. "Clover! What on earth—where did you even hear that?"
Clover grinned, puffing her chest out. "I'm just saying! I want a cousin to play with, and you're the only one who isn't busy running a construction business or training for the guard. Hurry up!"
Bloom let out a helpless, breathless laugh, pulling the youngling into a quick, ruffled hug. "You are impossible, you know that?”
Upon their return to the house, they found Leafa already patiently waiting.
The moment she spotted Clover, Leafa rushed to embrace her, drawing a soft, amused smile from Bloom.
Offering a final farewell wave to her family, Bloom departed the village, setting off toward Flowerfield City, the heart and capital of the Flowerfly Kingdom.
❖
Bloom navigated the bustling city streets, soon arriving at the modest shopfront, its sidewalk already crowded with vibrant floral displays.
As she stepped through the door, she was greeted by Kirari, the fifteen-year-old tabby mollycat who managed the shop alongside her parents.
“Ms. Bloom, you’re here!” Kirari waved.
“I hope I’m not late,” Bloom said, offering a respectful nod.
“Of course not!” Kirari replied with a grin. “I was just getting the displays ready.”
Once Bloom settled in and donned her apron, the pair worked together to prepare for the day. Business picked up quickly; Bloom excelled at greeting customers with a warm, cheerful demeanor, effortlessly advising them on the perfect arrangements. Meanwhile, Kirari efficiently organized the inventory, fetching stock the moment an order was placed. Bloom adored working with the younger cat, feeling truly blessed to make a steady living doing what she loved.
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