Heartbroken after the death of his beloved Nana, Hannes, the family outsider, finally allows himself to grieve. The legal battle over Nana’s quirky old house -- the only place he’s ever felt accepted and loved -- is over, and he moves in and finds a sense of peace. ... And a rabbit. An adorable bunny with a huge personality moves in, too, and refuses to leave. Hannes instantly falls in love with the sweet animal who helps heal his heart. But one morning, Hannes’ view of the world changes when the rabbit transforms into a man. A man named Mattis. After the initial shock, Hannes and Mattis discover a connection between them that runs deeper than it seems. Will their newfound feelings survive unraveling secrets and meddling families, and grow into something real? Something deep and everlasting?

9 Willow Street

Father is unsuccessful in hiding a smile behind his cup, while Mother tries to ignore Mio, focusing all her attention on the coffee but pulling her feet closer to the sofa as though she’s afraid he’ll attack her. After a few moments, Mio hops a lap around the couch where I’m sitting, then disappears out of the room.


Mother lets out a little shriek, staring with huge eyes on the floor in front of me. I follow her gaze and have to bite my lip to stop from giggling.


Mio has left scattered droppings all around the couch.


“I’ll take care of it,” I force out and rush to fetch something to clean it up.


Mio’s eating when I get into the kitchen and the giggles finally erupt. I crouch next to him, caress his soft fur, and whisper, “Did you just mark me as your territory?”


He looks up at me, and I swear if rabbits could smirk, that’s what he’s doing. Then he nudges his nose against my hand—get off me, human—and resumes eating.


Chapter 11