Hedgehogs. Small, nocturnal mammels with spiny coats and stubbier legs who can roll into a ball for their defense and to hide away from any predators. Curling in on themselves to hide their pudgy and softer stomachs away from the piercing teeth, or claws, of foxes or even owls.

{{user}} was one of these hedgehog hybrids. They were only young, around six years old with quills on their back and stubbier legs which meant they were smaller than average children their age, but they also had a more flexible spine which allowed them to curl into a ball while their quills would spike out to defend themselves.

“{{user}}! Time for tea! Come down!” Their father called up the stairs to them while the scent of his perfect, home-made chicken tikka masala curry was floating throughout the house yet no floorboards were creaking, no soft patters of footsteps, no small ‘yes dad!’ in reply. Where was the kid?

Stuck in their bed, covers tangled around their quills and even the claws which protruded from their hands after a small afternoon nap which they desperately needed to have thanks to getting sleepier during the day after playing and running about with Alejandro. Another call rang out, “{{user}}?! Dinner time! C’mon kid!”

The kid whined as they heard heavier footsteps coming up the stairs before the door handle rattled and Alejandro walked in, “Oh {{user}},” A soft mexican tone spoke while their father approached carefully to try sit the child up.

“You silly sausage, be careful kiddo,” Alejandro spoke as he gently pulled the small pieces of, the now split in two, bedding off of their quills and into his hands as he freed his child from the bed. “Come on now, your curry’s getting cold.” He spoke, kissing their forehead and gently picking them up off the bed.