"For your family to arrive."
"Why?"
His icy eyes narrowed. "It's none of your concern. Just go... entertain yourself."
I felt conflicted. Normally I loved exploring on my own. Nobody else matched my rhythm—they either got bored, or walked past interesting things too fast or didn't pay attention when I explained something to them.
But Animus did. He cared about my facts, and my feelings.
"I want you to come explore with me," I said.
Animus sat upright and stared at me, like I'd shocked him.
"You wantme... to come explore with you," he repeated.
Maybe he thought he hadn't heard me right. "Yes."
Animus dropped his head, sighed, then strode over to me. "All right, mortal. Lead the way."
I perked up with anticipation. There were so many exciting sights I'd glimpsed last night but didn't have time to examine. Now I had nothing but time—and a willing partner to explore with.
Our first stop was nearby underneath a damp cluster of rocks. The flesh of a bright orange mushroom stood out conspicuously among a light layer of moss.
"Do you know what this is?" I asked.
Even though the answer was alwaysno, it seemed courteous to ask my family members before telling them interesting facts.
"I do," Animus said. "But why don't you tell me anyway?"
I faced him, blinking. He already knew? That was unusual. For a second, I was disappointed I couldn't teach him, but then I realized we could share knowledge together. Thatneverhappened!
"You know this species of mushroom?" I asked.
His lip curled into a half-smile. "I wasn't born yesterday, you know."
"Neither were my family members, but they don't know as much as me," I pointed out.
That made Animus snort in amusement. "Fair enough. It's an orange peel fungus."
I couldn't believe it. He was right. I grinned, enthused about our shared connection.
"Do you know the Latin name?" I asked eagerly.
"All mortals do isnamethings..."
"Is that a yes or no?"
Animus sighed. "I've forgotten such tedious information. Enlighten me."
"It'sAleuria aurantia. It's also non-toxic and edible for humans, if they cook it."
"I'm neither susceptible to toxins nor human, but I'll keep that in mind."
Our journey continued. We investigated stones, plants and other fungi that populated the cliff top. I had so much fun exploring with Animus that I didn't notice the sun moving across the sky. It was afternoon before I knew it. It surprised me that Animus never once mentioned boredom, or suggested we do a different activity.
My family never would've lasted this long.
And then I felt guilty that I was enjoying myself while my family worried about me.