"Bradley?" Stepping outside, Sophie immediately spotted the boy and the young woman beside him.
Her eyes darted between them. If this was Bradley's mother, she looked too young—more like an older sister. But Bradley had said it was just him and his mom...
"Hello! I'm Anne, Bradley's mother. I'm so sorry to bother you again, but we can't accept this dress." The woman held out the vine-dress while Bradley hung his head.
"Welcome!" Sophie warmly grasped Anne's hand before she could protest, pulling both inside. The doorway was no place for this conversation. Seeing this mother and son reminded Sophie painfully of her own days with Charles—she longed to help them.
"Please, sit! Have some fruit!"
"Thank you." Anne finally relented, gently setting the dress aside.
"You have questions for me?" Anne smiled knowingly.
"Ah... just call me Sophie!" Sophie laughed awkwardly. "How did you find me? Bradley didn't know where I was staying."
Anne glanced at her flustered son. "I'm a fox spirit—tracking is our gift. Bradley inherited this talent. He followed your scent." Pride tinged her voice. Though her husband had left due to societal prejudice, she was grateful he'd let her keep Bradley.
"Oh! You're a fox spirit too!" Sophie blurted, then winced as Anne's face fell.
Hastily, she added, "My sister is also a fox spirit—Sally! Do you know her?"
"Sister Sally?" Bradley gasped.
Anne stared. "You... befriend fox spirits?"
"I do." Sophie met her gaze firmly. "Fox spirits are people no different from others. You can't think yourselves lesser—look how wonderfully you've raised Bradley! And Sally deserves love just as much as anyone. I may not change everyone's minds yet, but I'll try!"
Bradley's eyes shone. "Aunt Sophie, I'll make sure no one discriminates against fox spirits again!"
"Good boy!" Sophie ruffled his hair, her heart aching for Charles.
"Thank you..." Anne whispered tearfully. No one had ever treated fox spirits this way.
When Anne again refused the dress, Sophie admitted, "This seems precious to you, but I can make more anytime—I designed them!" She showed them the vine seeds.
Bradley's eyes widened. "Aunt Sophie, could I... learn business from you?"
The adults froze.
Sophie considered. "Bradley, that would mean leaving your mother..."
Her eyes lit up. "But I know the perfect teacher! Someone respected here who adores fox spirits..."
Somewhere, Burtram sneezed mid-laundry. "Who's thinking of me?" Spotting Sally's furtive glance, he grinned. "Sophie's advice works!"
After dinner, Sophie entrusted the pair to Burtram. The next morning, she joined Sly's caravan toward the exotic lands beyond.
"Are the exotic lands really as wonderful as you say?" Sophie asked eagerly.
"Of course!" Hurda cut in. "Beautiful women everywhere—"
*THUNK!* A fruit pit nailed his head.
Sly calmly continued, "Flowers bloom year-round there, with butterflies and birdsong... You'll love it."
"How wonderful..." Sophie sighed dreamily, oblivious to the perils of *excessive* hospitality awaiting her.
**What exotic adventures await our travelers?**