Red cloaks

Ethan rubbed his temples as he watched the little girl gobble up food from her plate. She stuffed her mouth with one meatball at a time, hoarding five at once like a little chipmunk. Her cheeks were so bulged that they looked as if they were about to burst.

Lia stifled a laugh. "I think she's trying to store food for winter."

Ethan groaned. "Kid, you're gonna choke."

The girl shook her head rapidly, still chewing. Her silver hair bounced with each motion, and her wide eyes remained fixed on him, as if terrified he would snatch the food away at any second.

Ethan sighed and reached over, tapping her forehead lightly. "Slow down."

She froze mid-chew, then reluctantly forced herself to swallow. It took a few exaggerated gulps before she finally cleared her mouth. Then, she pouted. "But what if the food disappears?"

Lia raised an eyebrow. "Why would the food disappear?"