Firefly stared up at the moon, lost in the silence. Their mother always taught her that the night is not something to be feared, but she can’t help but feel nervous so far away from home. They missed their siblings, Dragonfly, mantis, and bumblebee. When she disappeared, did they go looking for her? Did they find the portal as well? Or were they all swept away by the storm?

The thoughts terrified her.

Eventually, they were called back to the outpost by glow, who said they had found some outsiders who wanted to join. They forced themself up, putting on their “welcome” face. I need to be a good leader, they told themself, pushing their previous turmoil away.